American Legion Post 75 finals rained out, new date July 30

Rain, rain go away, 

Post 75 wants to play...

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbYbr6xSL6q/

Franklin Legion Post 75 Senior League State Tourrney game today - July 27 at 7 PM

IT’S GAMEDAY! 

Join us back at Fino Field for Day 3 of the Massachusetts State Tournament! First Game is at 1pm where Milford Legion Baseball will play their third game of the tournament against Leominster.

✔️ Stay tuned on social media for our daily schedule for pregame coverage and post game scores!!

✔️Follow tournament standings on Game Changer app. Final 8 Senior MA 

For our own Milford game coverage: 

🎤 MyFM 101.3

📺 MyFM 101.3 To watch live, MyFm YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@myfm1013

📺 Milford TV Comcast 6, Verizon 40 + HD2140

Stream: youtube.com/mymilfordtv

#fun #baseball 

Graphic credit to interns Bryson Parsons and Ashley Lester

Franklin Post 75 is hosting the American Legion State Junior Baseball tournament - Aug 1 to Aug 5, 2026

Franklin Post 75 is hosting the American Legion State Junior (under 17) Baseball tournament this year. 

The Playoffs will begin on August 1st and run thru August 5 at Franklin High School field. 

There will be 3 or 4 games per day, until a state champion is determined, who will then go on to play in regionals and national playoffs. 

This is the first time Franklin has hosted a state tournament.

Additional details can be found on the Legion Baseball page - https://www.masslegionbb.org/home

From One Team to Eight: Massachusetts American Legion Softball Makes History with First-Ever All-Star Game

What began as one woman’s dream has grown into an eight-team league serving 120 student-athletes across Central Massachusetts.

Now in its third season, the Massachusetts American Legion Softball League reached another milestone on July 13 when it hosted the first Massachusetts American Legion Softball All-Star Game at Slater Field in Webster.

The East vs. West showcase celebrated more than outstanding play on the field. It honored the leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, dedication and positive attitudes of the young women who have helped shape a growing program and create new opportunities for female athletes across the Commonwealth.

The league began with the vision of Jodie Pajak, Chairman of the Massachusetts American Legion Softball Committee. Pajak spent years working to bring American Legion Softball to Massachusetts, believing young women deserved the same opportunity to compete and represent their communities that American Legion Baseball has provided for generations.

That vision took a major step forward in 2023 when Mark McCue approached Sue Sears, president of the Leicester Girls Softball League, about forming a team through Cherry Valley Post 443.

Cherry Valley became the first team to commit, although there were not yet any other teams available to play.

Sears selected Jessica Parker to coach the first Cherry Valley team. Together, Sears and Parker used their softball connections throughout Central Massachusetts to recruit players, coaches, volunteers and communities interested in helping build the new program.

Their efforts, combined with Pajak’s leadership and the work of the Massachusetts American Legion Softball Committee, helped turn the idea into a functioning league.

The league began play with four teams in 2024, expanded to six teams in 2025 and grew to eight teams and 120 athletes in 2026. Sears and Parker now serve as liaisons to the Massachusetts American Legion Softball Committee and continue to work tirelessly to promote the program and expand opportunities for young women.

In June 2026, Sears received the American Legion Department of Massachusetts Youth Programs Outstanding Service Award in recognition of her dedication, leadership and service to fastpitch softball and youth programs.

The league’s growth was on full display during the inaugural All-Star Game.

These players were selected by their coaches because they embody the values the league is built on: sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, dedication, respect, integrity, and pride in representing both their team and the American Legion. They compete with heart, support their teammates, and represent their posts and communities with character both on and off the field. For one evening, regular-season opponents became teammates as the East and West squads came together to celebrate the league’s progress and its first class of All-Stars.

2026 Massachusetts American Legion Softball All-Stars

Cherry Valley Post 443

Ava Lamothe — Class of 2026

Grace Dias — Class of 2027

Makayla Higgins — Class of 2028

Jaclyn Sullivan — Class of 2029

Webster-Dudley Post 184

Sienna Stawiecki — Class of 2026

Madelyn Carpenter — Class of 2027

Reece Dickie — Class of 2027

Cadence Duval — Class of 2027

Charlton Post 391

Addison Dono — Class of 2027

Caroline Lambert — Class of 2029

Darci Potenti — Class of 2029

Kinley Sauvageau — Class of 2029

Sturbridge Post 109

Brynn Boucher — Class of 2029

Natalie Carson — Class of 2029

Kaelyn Pellicane — Class of 2029

Molly Beane — Class of 2030

Northborough Post 234

Sari Grenier — Class of 2028

Olivia Balicki — Class of 2030

Stella Laurie — Class of 2030

Leah Young — Class of 2030

Franklin Post 75

Emersyn Smart — Class of 2028

Isabella Barbato — Class of 2029

Elizabeth Burkeholder — Class of 2029

Chloe Rowe — Class of 2029

Framingham Post 117

Evy Gemelli — Class of 2028

Gigi Salvati — Class of 2028

Addie Willdridge — Class of 2028

Sloane Gaudreau — Class of 2029

Worcester Vernon Hill Post 435

Kheira Ashey — Class of 2028

Addison Fiume — Class of 2028

Julia Urato — Class of 2028

Rayna Bennet — Class of 2029

The first Massachusetts American Legion Softball All-Star Game marked far more than the conclusion of another summer event. It celebrated a league that has grown from four teams to eight in only three seasons and recognized the athletes, coaches, volunteers, committee members and American Legion representatives whose commitment made that growth possible.

Most importantly, it celebrated 32 young women who earned the distinction of becoming the first Massachusetts American Legion Softball All-Stars.

As the league continues to grow, it is creating new opportunities, strengthening communities and establishing a tradition that can serve young women across Massachusetts for years to come.

Fallen Hero Recognition: Cpl Elijah H. Coldwell, U.S. Marine Corps - June 15, 2026 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/15/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Cpl Elijah H. Coldwell, U.S. Marine Corps. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

 

• Cpl Elijah H. Coldwell, U.S. Marine Corps

Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate any further information about Elijah Coldwell other than he was killed in action on this date in 1918.

The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tlyiAK18owM81p8aJs1vhKc3p2bIK1cv/view?usp=drive_link

 

For the published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7 

participants in the ceremony on June 12, 2024

Chris Stickney talks about the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament June 14 (audio)

FM #1760 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1760 in the series. 

This episode shares my conversation with one of the founders of Franklin Fathers, Chris Stickney. We recorded in the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Friday, June 5, 2026. 

• Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament, Sunday, June 14, 2026

• Double elimination, teams of 10

• Food trucks, refreshments, games for kids & families

• Fund raising for Franklin Fathers, the American Legion Post, and the Franklin Food Pantry

The conversation runs about 20 minutes, let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1760-inaugural-eddie-grant-kickball-06-05-26/

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Register for the Kickball tournament   https://forms.gle/LqbaRKZz3kHYKZ9D7! 

Franklin Fathers operates from a Facebook page (for now) 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580257836187 

Volunteer to help at the Kickball tournament

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/volunteers-needed-for-inaugural-eddie.html 

NOTE: travel to Beaver Pond Field via Grove St on Sunday, June 14 as Beaver St is closed at the MBTA railroad tracks.

--------------

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Fallen Hero Recognition Schedule for June 2026

Fallen Hero Recognition Schedule for June 2026

A series of Memorial events are scheduled for 9:00 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor those Fallen Heroes on their "killed in action" date.   

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that fallen hero.  

This is a way of keeping the memory of that hero alive.

• June 1 – William G. Hosford – WWII
• June 5 – Frank Gryzboski – WWII
• June 12 – Lloyd M. Ellis – WWII
• June 13 – Elijah H. Coldwell – WWI
• June 14 – Timothy J. Hayes – WWII
• June 20 – Edward A. Kelly – WWII
• June 24 – Baldo S. Lazzerini – WWII

The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tlyiAK18owM81p8aJs1vhKc3p2bIK1cv/view?usp=drive_link

Fallen Hero Recognition: Lawrence J. Clark - November 7, 2025 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (11/07/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Lawrence J. Clark. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

*****

Lawrence J. Clark PVT. U. S. Army WWI

WWI doughboy memorial

Lawrence Clark was born in 1888, the son of John and Mary Jane Clark, along with 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

For eight years he was a Massachusetts resident, working for the American Felt Company before entering the service.

He was said to be one of Franklin's most ardent sportsmen. He was noted for his golfing ability having won the Franklin Country Club Round Robin twice, before answering the call to colors.

He entered the Army on October 45, 1917 joining Company 1, 302 Infantry Regiment, 76th Division,.  He transferred on Feb 4, 1918 to Company L, 61st Infantry Regiment 5th Division and departed for Europe on April 16th 1918.

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For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

The video series of recognition ceremonies for 2024 (YTD) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/07/fallen-hero-recognition-ceremonies-for.html

Fallen Hero Recognition: Jay Stone Davis - November 6, 2025 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (11/06/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Jay Stone Davis. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

** Jay Stone Davis PVT. U. S. Army, World War I

Jay Stone Davis was born in East Haven Connecticut in 1883. He was employed in Springfield as a tool maker. He made his home with his mother in Franklin, and she was employed at Dean Academy.

Jay Davis entered the service from Franklin on April 26, 1918 and was assigned three weeks later to Motor Corps 16, Machine Gun Training Center at Camp Hancock.

He went overseas in August of 2918 and less than two months later fell in the action at Skenay, France on this date, 1918.

At the time of his death, no Next of Kin could be found and thus no Purple Heart Award could be given.

Pvt. Davis rests in 'Honored Glory" in the Meuse - Argonne Cemetery in Romagne, France, Plot H, Row 15, Grave 2.

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For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

The video series of recognition ceremonies for 2024 (YTD) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/07/fallen-hero-recognition-ceremonies-for.html

Fallen Hero Recognition

Army Veteran’s DC Journey

At 70-years young, Army Veteran Tim App will travel this October to participate in the 41st running of the Army’s 10-mile Road Race being held in our nation’s Capital on October 12th.  This will be his first time running in the DC event. 

The 10-mile race is conducted by the Army’s Military District of Washington (MDW) whose operations seek to deter, prevent, and respond to threats aimed at DC’s Capital region. The Race’s proceeds will benefit the Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) unit which provides resources and programs to the Army’s population including families of those now serving our country. 

Since its inception in 1985, the event has hosted 488,191 runners from around the world. This year’s event anticipates 35,000 runners and 900 Teams comprised of military, civilian, wheelchair, and wounded warrior athletes. Tim chose to run in this year’s race in honor of the Army’s 250th birthday and for the successes he has achieved from his service to our nation. Tim commented “I am running the Army 10-miler as a celebration of all that I have accomplished, and that all started with my decision to join the Army, although an active conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, was raging.” He had voluntarily enlisted in the Army immediately following High School.

Tim App

After his service to our country, he moved to Massachusetts where he held various leadership roles within the Department of Corrections - for 27 years!  Following his retirement in 2003, he became an adjunct Professor at both Northeastern University and Stonehill College where he taught Corrections Practices, Sex Offender Programming and Ethics for 22 years. 

Tim took a hiatus from running after his military duty. He resumed his running career after his Niece’s toddler was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. His Niece started a 5K race to support her daughter and other children suffering from this rare form of cancer and asked him to run in the event.  Sadly, his Grand Niece passed away at age 3 and Tim carries a picture of her with him on his armband for each and every training run and racing event.  

An active member of Franklin’s American Legion Post 75, Tim serves as their Sargeant-at-Arms and remarked that “The Post does a tremendous amount of community work and I felt it fitting to run the ATM for the first time, on behalf of the Post.” He also supports the Franklin community through his work with the St. Vincent DePaul charity at St. Mary’s. In addition, he works with Meals on Wheels delivering food to Franklin residents in need.

Tom App ran last year’s Daytona 5K Race where he placed 3rd in his division

The armband of his Grand Niece is visible on his right arm.

###

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

Yes, Franklin - There is a NEW parade route for the annual Memorial Day Parade

New Memorial Day Parade Route

We have a NEW PARADE ROUTE!

As the Commander of the Franklin VFW Post I have the honor as serving as Co-Chair of the Parade Committee with my friend Dick Hynes, Commander of the Franklin American Legion.

The whole group has been working hard the last couple of months to plan the parade and one of the things we're doing is a new parade route.

The parade will kick off from Horace Mann Middle School at 11am on Monday, May 26th. It will head up Oak St (which turns into Daniel McCahill St) and then proceed down Union St to the old Davis Thayer school. The Parade will then turn left onto 140. The parade will again turn left onto Emmons St and then a left onto Main where it will head back to the Town Common.

This is a shorter route at 1.33 miles.

The parade will be continuous, there are no stops at the cemeteries or Dean College anymore (we are still doing those ceremonies, just moving them to before the parade).

We feel this new route will make it easier for our older veterans to march and smoother for the PD to accomodate.

Please see the attached map.

Please hit me with your questions, comments, complaints, etc.

We look forward to seeing you on the NEW PARADE ROUTE!

Listen to Scott Carruthers & Dick Hynes talk about the parade route changes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/dick-scott-talk-about-changes-to-2025.html

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BxwXnSjPQ/

Fallen Hero Recognition: John Emidio Pasquantonio - April 30, 2025, 9 AM

Memorial event today at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor John Emidio Pasquantonio, Vietnam. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Fallen Hero: John Emidio Pasquantonio

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 

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

Fallen Hero Recognition: John Emidio Pasquantonio, Vietnam - April 30, 2024, 9 AM

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/

2025 Memorial Day Parade Route

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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 

-------------

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"