Natalee Webb-Rubino joined the Air Force in 1976 becoming its 1st female Aircraft Mechanic (Crew Chief) and at Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan. In 1999 she founded the 11K road race in Stoneham created to honor and recognize Veterans. At the time, it was the only 11K in America. In 2009 she became the City of Melrose’s 1st female Veterans Service Officer. She was first in her family to attend college full-time earning a bachelor’s degree in PR and Strategic Communications at Bridgewater State University graduating with honors in 2019. Her essays on Veteran matters have been published in Franklin, North Attleboro, Melrose, Milford, and Stoneham
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Monday, September 29, 2025
Army Veteran’s DC Journey
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Yes, Franklin - There is a NEW parade route for the annual Memorial Day Parade
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| New Memorial Day Parade Route |
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Fallen Hero Recognition: John Emidio Pasquantonio - April 30, 2025, 9 AM
Lance Corporal John Emidio Pasquantonio was born in Franklin on March 14, 1949, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carlo Pasquantonio. John lived with his parents and 3 sisters on Grove St. while attending the Franklin Schools. John enlisted in the Marines, at age 17.
John was married to the former Jacqueline Mucciarone of Franklin and he left a son, John Carlo, who currently lives here in Franklin.
Corporal Pasquantonio, assigned to the USS Iwo Jima, had been sent ashore as a forward observer for the Navy guns on the coast of Vietnam, in Quang Tri province, when he was struck by a mortar shell and killed instantly on April 30, 1968. Prior to his death, John had repeatedly volunteered for this hazardous duty landing on the coast by helicopter. Cpl. Pasquantonio was award the Cross of Gallantry Medal, which compares with America's bronze star award, by the South Vietnam government.
Lance Corporal John E. Pasquantonio was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.
Originally post here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/fallen-hero-john-emidio-pasquantonio.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
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| Fallen Hero Recognition: John Emidio Pasquantonio, Vietnam - April 30, 2024, 9 AM |
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Dick & Scott talk about the changes to the 2025 Memorial Day Parade Route (audio)
FM #1435 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1435 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Dick Hynes and Scott Carruthers about the changes to the Memorial Day Parade for 2025. We recorded this conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Dick Hynes, American Legion, Post 75 Commander
Scott Carruthers, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 3402 Commander
We cover the following in our conversation
Parade route route changed
For better staging location
Shorten parade to enable more veerans to participate
Separate the cemetery ceremonies from the parade itself
Dean & cemetery ceremonies start at 9:30 AM
Parade starts at 11:00 AM
Ceremony on the Town Common remains at noon time
About the American Legion & VFW
Membership
activities
The recording runs about 28 minutes Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1435-memorial-day-parade-04-17-25/
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| 2025 Memorial Day Parade Route |
VFW page -> https://post3402.org/
American Legion page -> https://www.mapost75.com/
Parade Route Updated -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/did-you-hear-there-is-new-memorial-day.html
Or -> https://post3402.org/post-news
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Did you hear there is a New Memorial Day Parade Route for 2025?
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| New Memorial Day Parade Route |
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
New Memorial Day Parade Route
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| New Memorial Day Parade Route |
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Fallen Heroes' Remembrance Ceremonies on Town Common: January - March 2025
- January 26 – William O. Martello - WWII
- February 18 – Alan W. Willard - Vietnam
- February 22 – James P. Murray - WWI
- February 24 – David Laughlan III - WWII
- February 26 – Richard L. Desper - Vietnam
- March 10 – Marshall E. Rollins - WWII
- March 10 – John A. Schur - WWII
- March 18 – Elton E. Ekstrom - WWII
- March 30 – W. Franklin Lynch - WWI
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Fallen Hero Recognition: Robert L. Cummings - Nov 30, 2024 - 9:00 AM
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Fallen Hero Recognition: Emilio Dadario, October 10, 2024 - 9 AM
- the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day
- the playing of Taps
- a salute from those present
- a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
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| Fallen Hero Recognition |
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Fallen Hero Recognition: Edward L. Grant - Oct 5, 2024 - 9 AM
"On the morning the relief was affected, Eddie was dog-tired, but he stepped off at the head of his outfit. He staggered from weakness, and he was suffering from bronchitis, but he wouldn't go to the hospital until he was relieved. He stepped off at the head of his company, marching with his head up. On the was through the forest, fighting at every step, Grant came across stretcher bearers, carrying his commander Major Jay who had been wounded. Jay called to Grant to "take command of the battalion." Eddie was one of the few officers left. The Major had hardly spoken those words when a shell came through the trees dropping 2 of Grant's lieutenants. While ordering his men to take cover, he called for more stretcher bearers for his lieutenants. He was calling and waving his hands when a shell struck him. It was a direct hit. The remaining officers and men of the company said Eddie's conduct during the battle was marvelous. He never slept, always moving forward."
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
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| Fallen Hero Recognition |
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Reminder: Franklin Fallen Heroes’ Upcoming Remembrance Ceremonies
October 5 – Edward L. Grant – WWIOctober 6 – Shane Cabino – IraqOctober 10 – Emilio Daddario – WWI
November 6 – Jay Stone Davis – WWINovember 7 – Lawrence J. Clark – WWINovember 11 – Daniel E. McCahill - WWIINovember 30 – Robert L. Cummings – WWII
December 6 – Harry R. Bean – KoreaDecember 28 – Charles E. Mason - WWII
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
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| Fallen Hero Recognition earlier this year |
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Fallen Hero Recognition: Frank J. Smith - Sep 25, 2024, 9 AM
Frank Smith was inducted into the Army on 22 July 1918, into the 21st Company, 6th Training Battalion.He then was transferred to Company A, 42nd Infantry on 121 August 1918 at Camp Devens.
Pvt. Smith died of disease, probably the Flu Epidemic, on this date 1918.
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http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
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| Fallen Hero Recognition |
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Franklin Fallen Heroes’ Upcoming Remembrance Ceremonies
October 5 – Edward L. Grant – WWIOctober 6 – Shane Cabino – IraqOctober 10 – Emilio Daddario – WWI
November 6 – Jay Stone Davis – WWINovember 7 – Lawrence J. Clark – WWINovember 11 – Daniel E. McCahill - WWIINovember 30 – Robert L. Cummings – WWII
December 6 – Harry R. Bean – KoreaDecember 28 – Charles E. Mason - WWII
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
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| Fallen Hero Recognition earlier this year |









