Korean War vets to lead Memorial Day Parade

Published in the May 24, 2018 edition

NORTH READING — The town’s traditional Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 28, will be led by the veterans of the Korean War. They will serve as honorary parade marshals motoring the route in convertibles.

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

The parade will also feature the North Reading High School Marching Hornets, the North Reading Minit and Militia, 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.

Children who wish to enter the decorated bicycle contest should arrive at the common by 9:15 a.m. for the judging to take place at 9:30 a.m. sharp prior to the start of the parade.

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, where the marchers will return to the common for closing ceremonies.

During closing ceremonies on the bandstand the keynote address will be delivered by Selectman Andrew Schultz. The Roll of Honor will be read and ceremonial wreaths will be placed on the veterans memorials at the top of the common.

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., close during the parade and reopen when the parade ends. They will be staffed by volunteers from the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society and the North Reading Historical Commission.

The public is also invited to attend early morning services conducted by the town’s Minitmen at each of North Reading’s three cemeteries: 7 a.m., at Riverside, 7:45 a.m., at Harmony Vale on Chestnut Street, and 8:30 a.m. at Park Street.