Bedford's Memorial Day Events and Parade Information

BEDFORD, MA - Bedford will be honoring its veterans who paid the ultimate price during ceremonies scheduled for Monday. Ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the parade beginning at 11 a.m.

Here's a look at Bedford's full Memorial Day schedule:

American Legion/V.F.W. Memorial Ceremonies

8:30 a.m. Assemble at the American Legion Post. Veterans-Dignitaries and Selectmen-R.O.T.C. Firing Squad. Bedford HS Band Members to sound TAPS, observe Legion Memorials. American Legion Chaplain Jerry Hartmann will offer prayer, memorial wreath ceremony with scouts assisting Brig. Gen. DePriest, followed by Firing Squad Volleys and playing of TAPS.

8:45 a.m. Walk to Shawsheen Cemetery. Joe Piantedosi greets everyone. Brig. Gen. Oscar DePriest offers prayer. Brief statements by American Legion Post Commander Jon O’Connor and John Monahan of the VFW. Don Corey of the Bedford Historical Society to give brief talk about Shawsheen Cemetery and Bedford’s Civil War soldiers. Firing Squad Volleys are followed by TAPS to close ceremony. Walk to Shawsheen River. Joe Piantedosi will begin ceremony to honor Navy Veterans. Malcolm Roberts of VFW and Jerry Hartmann of AL will offer prayers. Flowers tossed into Shawsheen River followed by Volleys and TAPS. Walk back to Legion and drive to Mudge Way.

10 a.m. Old Burying Ground: Minutemen Company Capt. Roy Kring to introduce Lee Yates from the Bedford Historical Society who will talk briefly about the Old Burying Ground. Captain Kring will read Roll Call of all Revolutionary War Veterans buried there. Terrence L. Parker will give a brief history about the ex-slaves buried there. Placing of wreath. Minuteman to play “Amazing Grace.” Musket shots by Minutemen, followed by TAPS by BHS Band members to close ceremony.

10:30 AM Assemble for Parade at Mudge Way.

10:45 -10:55 a.m. Bedford High School: Fallen Veterans Memorial Tribute. Brief remarks followed by placing of roses on memorials by BHS ROTC cadets. Firing Squad Volleys are followed by TAPS to close ceremony.

11:00 a.m. Parade Step off time. (Note: In the event of heavy rains, Parade and outdoor ceremonies will be canceled and the Veterans Memorial Park ceremonies will be held in the Bedford High School Auditorium starting approx. 11 a.m.).

Line of March: Police Escort - Bedford Police & Firefighter Honor Guard - Grand Marshal Car – Bedford Minutemen- Gen. DePriest, Col. Dunklee, Hanscom Representatives & Families- Veterans (Marching) – AL & VFW Auxiliaries – Veterans (Riding in Trim Tram) - Patriotic Holiday Committee - Dignitaries - State and Local Officials – R.O.T.C. Marching Unit – BHS Marching Band – Scouts -VA Bus for Hospitalized Vets. (Girl Scouts, Brownies, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will join the parade at the WWI Memorial on the Town Common).

March to Bedford Common (WW I Memorial). Paul Purchia will introduce Lee Yates of the Bedford Historical Society who will offer brief remarks about the WW I Memorial. A prayer will be offered by Malcolm Roberts, followed by Rifle Volleys, then TAPS. Parade will then continue down Great Road to Veterans Memorial Park. Expected arrival: approx. 11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m. Bedford Veterans Memorial Park Ceremonies: Greetings and welcome by Paul Purchia. Invocation will be given by Gen. DePriest. Bedford High School Band will play “GOD BLESS AMERICA.” Mike Rosenberg (Selectmen Chair) will speak, followed by Rep. Ken Gordon. Paul Purchia will introduce Col.David R. Dunklee who will give Keynote Address. Introduction of Bedford student who will read the winning Memorial Day essay. Joe Piantedosi to recognize all veterans in attendance and announce the Roll Call of Bedford Veterans who have passed on during the past year. American Legion and VFW Auxiliary Presidents will place a poppy on each plaque memorializing the fourteen Bedford men K.I.A. in WW II, Viet Nam and Iraq. Raising of the Flag by Grand Marshal James A. Buton while the Bedford High School Band plays our National Anthem. Kevin Cobb to offer Benediction. Volleys fired followed by TAPS. This will conclude today’s ceremonies.

In case of heavy rains, outside activities will be canceled. Veterans Memorial Park ceremonies will be moved to the Bedford High School Auditorium starting at 11 a.m.