Published May 23, 2019

NORTH READING — The town’s traditional Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 27, will be led by former Chairman of the Select Board, Bob Mauceri who will serve as honorary parade marshal motoring the route in a convertible.

Stepping down from his Select Board post after 15 years, Mauceri was recently honored for his 47 years of combined service to the town which dates back to 1972 when he was appointed to a sewer study committee. Over the decades Mauceri also served on the School Committee (1973-1986), the Finance Committee (1986-1992) and the Hillview Commission (1992-2004) in addition to countless subcommittees and chairmanships.

Veterans of all wars will follow the parade marshal’s convertible on a special parade float. They are also welcome to walk the route if they so desire.

Call for antique cars

If anyone would like to drive their “vintage car” in the parade and carry along a veteran, please arrive at the parade start site on Bow Street no later than 9:30 a.m.

The parade will also feature the North Reading High School Marching Hornets, the North Reading Minit and Militia, military units and vehicles, classic cars, police and fire apparatus, local politicians, members of town groups, organizations and youth sports teams, and the entrants in the decorated bicycle contest.

Call for decorated bicycles

Children who wish to enter the decorated bicycle contest should arrive at the top of the common by 9:15 a.m. for the judging by Town Moderator John Murphy and Minit and Militia Captain John Richard. Judging will take place at 9:30 a.m. sharp prior to the start of the parade.

Parade route

The parade steps off from the Bow Street side of the town common at 10 a.m. and will follow its traditional route past the Flint Memorial Library and the Eugene R. Moreau Memorial Circle, turn left onto Park Street then turn right onto Park Street East (across from the North Reading Shopping Center).

Marchers will proceed to take a right onto Mount Vernon Street and turn right again onto Haverhill Street, past Ryer’s and the Police/Fire Station, then turn left onto Bow Street, passing the reviewing stand in front of the Flint Memorial Library, then return to the common for closing ceremonies at 11 a.m.

During closing ceremonies on the bandstand the keynote address will be delivered by newly elected Select Board member Richard Wallner. The Roll of Honor will then be read and ceremonial wreaths will be placed on the veterans memorials at the top of the common.

Historic buildings open

The historic buildings in the town center, including the 1720 Rev. Daniel Putnam House and the Damon Tavern on Bow Street, will be open for tours from 9:30 to 10 a.m., closed during the parade and re-open when the parade ends. The buildings will be staffed by volunteers from the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society and the North Reading Historic Commission and will include special patriotic displays and vintage military memorabilia.

Cemetery services

The public is also invited to attend early morning services conducted by the town’s Minutemen at each of North Reading’s cemeteries and one memorial at the following times: 7 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery on Elm Street; 7:45 a.m. at Harmony Vale Cemetery on Chestnut Street; 8:30 a.m. at the Blue Star Memorial at Ipswich River Park; and 8:45 a.m. at Park Street Cemetery on Park Street.