Memorial Day Ceremonies in the Town of Franklin (MA) 2026 (video)

Due to the weather the parade was canceled on Memorial Day 2026. The ceremonies at Dean College, Union St Cemetery and St Mary's Cemetery did happened as scheduled. 

The ceremonies on the Town Common at noon also ran as scheduled. 

The Franklin TV recording captured all of those and is available - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WILTuEWRF1g

The Franklin Matters recap includes photos, audio, and a copy of the program

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/town-of-franklin-2026-memorial-day.html

Honor guard preparing 21 gun salute

Memorial Day Breakfast - Franklin Senior Center 5/22/26 (video)

Franklin TV recording of the Memorial Day Breakfast 2026 is available for viewing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e3-D_DO_xs

Memorial Day Breakfast - Franklin Senior Center 5/22/26 (video)

Town of Franklin 2026 Memorial Day Ceremony - 05/25/26 (audio)

FM #1746 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1746 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio of the Town of Franklin Memorial Day ceremony held on the Town Common on Monday, May 25, 2026. The day was overcast, a rainy forecast had caused the cancellation of the parade. 

Veterans Service Officer Shannon Nisbett is the master of ceremonies and introduces each speaker, and walks us through the program. 

The ceremony runs about 56 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1746-town-of-franklin-memorial-day-ceremony-05-25-26/

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The ceremony program provides all the snake and roles of speakers and contributors (PDF) -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y6VTbOFEgYFTve7wCVFaWcFpZIpRJBjx/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos from the ceremony - https://photos.app.goo.gl/Q4cdHXrCz7pNFfov6

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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!

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

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, May 25, 2026 ???

Monday, May 25 = Memorial Day

9:30am Dean College - Memorial Day commemorative event

9:50am Union St Cemetery - Memorial Day commemorative event

10:10am St. Mary’s Cemetery - Memorial Day commemorative event

11:00am Memorial Day Parade Franklin Town Common

Due to the weather, the parade has been canceled,  all other ceremonies will be held as scheduled. https://www.franklinma.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=PARADE-CANCELLED-CEREMONIES-ON-28

12:00pm Memorial Day Ceremony Franklin Town Common

*** NO   Town Meetings today   ***

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Memorial Day parade "go/no go" decision to be made by 7 AM Monday

 Via the VFW:

"Good Afternoon,

We wanted to let everyone know that a decision on the parade will be made by 7am Monday morning and will be shared here as well as on Town social media and the Franklin Veterans Services web page. 

Regardless of the parade being canceled we anticipate the ceremonies at Dean College, Union St. Cemetery and St. Mary’s Cemetery as well as the Town Common to go on as scheduled. 

We appreciate your understanding and hope all have a meaningful Memorial Day. Remember the purpose of the holiday."

Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cr97F4xqJ/

For reference the timing of events on Monday

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/yes-there-are-town-of-franklin-memorial.html

Yes, there are Town of Franklin Memorial Day observances on Monday, May 25, 2026

The Town of Franklin invites residents, veterans, families and visitors to come together in remembrance and gratitude during the community’s 2026 Memorial Day observances. A series of events will honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

On Memorial Day, the community is invited to attend a series of commemorative events, beginning with ceremonies at Dean College at 9:30 AM, Union Street Cemetery at 9:50 AM, and St. Mary’s Cemetery at 10:10 AM, prior to the start of the parade.

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony — May 25, 2026

The Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, at 11 AM, beginning at Horace Mann Middle School and proceeding along Oak Street, Daniel McCahill Street, Union Street, West Central Street, Emmons Street and Main Street, ending at the Franklin Town Common.

View the parade route: Memorial Day 2026 Parade Route

Download a PDF copy - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L7xl3qkGgSuR-9vLd2wpdOCqsiBUPdRq/view?usp=sharing

The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 12 PM at the World War I Memorial on the Town Common immediately following the parade. The ceremony will honor Franklin veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day, as well as the Town’s 45 fallen heroes who died in service to the nation.

In the event of inclement weather, updates and cancellation notices will be posted on the Town’s Veterans’ Services webpage (https://www.franklinma.gov/335/Veterans-Services).

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served. The Town of Franklin encourages all to take part in these observances and join in honoring the legacy of our nation’s heroes.

Town of Franklin offices & schools closed Monday, one day scheduled delay in curbside pickup

Town of Franklin offices & schools closed Monday,
one day scheduled delay in curbside pickup

via the Town of Franklin:

"Please note that Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day during the week of May 25."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18Zvz6wrGo/

Reminder: 2026 Memorial Day observances for the Town of Franklin

The Town of Franklin invites residents, veterans, families and visitors to come together in remembrance and gratitude during the community’s 2026 Memorial Day observances. A series of events will honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

The Memorial Day Breakfast will take place on Friday, May 22, from 9 to 11 AM, at the Franklin Senior Center and offers an opportunity for the veteran community to gather ahead of Memorial Day. Reservations are required and must be made by Friday, May 8, by calling the Veterans’ Services Office at 508-613-1315.

On Memorial Day, the community is invited to attend a series of commemorative events, beginning with ceremonies at Dean College at 9:30 AM, Union Street Cemetery at 9:50 AM, and St. Mary’s Cemetery at 10:10 AM, prior to the start of the parade.

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony — May 25, 2026

The Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, at 11 AM, beginning at Horace Mann Middle School and proceeding along Oak Street, Daniel McCahill Street, Union Street, West Central Street, Emmons Street and Main Street, ending at the Franklin Town Common.

View the parade route: Memorial Day 2026 Parade Route

Download a PDF copy - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L7xl3qkGgSuR-9vLd2wpdOCqsiBUPdRq/view?usp=sharing

The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 12 PM at the World War I Memorial on the Town Common immediately following the parade. The ceremony will honor Franklin veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day, as well as the Town’s 45 fallen heroes who died in service to the nation.

In the event of inclement weather, updates and cancellation notices will be posted on the Town’s Veterans’ Services webpage (https://www.franklinma.gov/335/Veterans-Services).

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served. The Town of Franklin encourages all to take part in these observances and join in honoring the legacy of our nation’s heroes.

GOOD DEEDS: A Holiday for Remembering

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

As the final Monday in May approaches, our nation pauses to observe Memorial Day a solemn occasion to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In 2026, this remembrance carries added meaning as we prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone that invites us to reflect not only on the freedoms we enjoy today, but on the earliest sacrifices made to secure them.

Memorial Day’s roots trace back to the aftermath of the Civil War, a time of profound national healing. Initially known as Decoration Day, communities across the country began adorning the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, a simple yet powerful act of remembrance. In 1971, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday, observed on the last Monday of May.

Yet the spirit of Memorial Day reaches even further back to the founding of our republic itself. More than 250 years ago, ordinary men from towns across Norfolk County answered the call to defend liberty. Farmers, tradesmen, and neighbors left their homes to stand against tyranny, many never to return. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for the independence declared in 1776.

There are many meaningful ways we can show our respect on Memorial Day. Visiting a cemetery or local memorial offers a moment to reflect among the silent rows of tribute. Placing flowers or American flags on veterans’ graves is a tangible act of remembrance. Attending a local parade or ceremony allows us to come together in shared gratitude and to consider the profound cost of freedom.

A few years back, on Memorial Day, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Natalie Fultz, addressed a large crowd at Milton Cemetery. She was 100 years old, but with age comes wisdom. She asked the audience a simple but very profound question: “How can we best honor and best remember our nation's heroes who have fallen in service?”

Her question came with an answer. “We can and should talk about the heroism and sacrifice, ensuring that the younger generations know of their efforts.” It is estimated that approximately 1.3 million Americans have died in service to their country.

It is precisely this sacrifice that Natalie Fultz urged us not to forget. One of the most powerful ways to honor the fallen is by sharing their stories. By recounting their lives and sacrifices, we ensure their legacies endure and that future generations understand the price paid for independence and for our freedoms as Americans.

Here in Norfolk County, we can look back to the Revolutionary War and remember those from our own communities who gave their lives in the fight for American independence. Patriots from towns such as Dedham, Braintree, Milton, Needham, Walpole, and Stoughton, along with individuals from villages and communities that would later become Norfolk County towns, marched to Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, and beyond. Some fell on those very fields in 1775, among the first to give their lives in what would become a long and arduous struggle for freedom.

Among those who made that sacrifice on the very first day of the Revolution were Patriots from Dedham and Needham who answered the call and never returned home.

Elias Haven (1742–1775), a farmer from Dedham (in what is now Dover), answered the alarm on April 19, 1775, as news of the fighting at Lexington spread across the region. He joined fellow militia and marched toward Menotomy (now Arlington), where British troops were retreating. In the fierce fighting near the Jason Russell House and Arlington Meeting House, Haven was killed, becoming one of Norfolk County’s earliest casualties of the Revolution.

Elisha Mills (1735–1775), a blacksmith and farmer from East Needham, was likewise drawn into the conflict that day. Marching with Captain Robert Smith’s militia, he reached Menotomy and took part in the intense battle near Jason Russell’s farm, where he was killed. Mills was one of five Needham men who fell in the engagement, alongside Amos Mills, Nathaniel Chamberlain, Jonathan Parker, and John Bacon.

Norfolk County has patriots who made profound sacrifices at the very outset of the American Revolution. That same dedication endured. Norfolk County in the years that followed America’s independence has stories of patriots and veterans who made sure the government formed and freedoms found in the United States of America continued.

Meda Morse (1890 – 1918) was a Foxborough native and a descendant of one of the town’s founding families. She was a high school graduate and a licensed nurse. Meda became a nurse for the American Red Cross, which became integrated into the national war effort during World War I.

She worked in military hospitals, and her last assignment was at Fort Zachary Taylor in Kentucky in the fall of 1918, during the height of the influenza epidemic, which claimed the lives of 675,000 Americans. Meda's job was to assist in the medical processing of soldiers going to Europe.

While performing her duties, she contracted the flu and fell critically ill. Her family was notified, and her mother reached her bedside just hours before she passed on Christmas Eve. In recognition of her ultimate sacrifice, the grave of Meda Morse is marked with a veteran’s plaque.

Daniel Mahoney Jr. (1920–1944), a Stoughton native from a family known for giving back to the community, might never have had the chance to serve his country during World War II. At age nine, he was accidentally shot by a neighborhood boy, but thanks to the quick actions of a cabdriver—who rushed him to the hospital and donated blood—his life was saved.

Dan graduated from Stoughton High School and became an auto mechanic. In 1942, he was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Forces and trained as an aircraft mechanic. The following year, he was sent to Europe and served as a tail gunner on a B-24 Liberator bomber.

He died from friendly fire when a bomb was accidentally dropped on his plane by an Allied aircraft. His body was recovered five years later on a mountainside in Yugoslavia. Sgt. Mahoney left his parents, four sisters, and his fiancée, Dorothy Sweet, who never married.

Paying tribute to Natalie Fultz’s words there is a booklet publishing the stories of county residents and honoring their service as veterans. To explore the stories of Norfolk County’s veterans across generations, I encourage you to visit the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds’ Notable Land Records Vol. 3: “We Remember Our Veterans,” available here: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/news-event/notable-land-records-vol-3. If you would like a hard copy of this booklet, please email me at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

This Memorial Day, as we unite as a community and as a nation to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, let us also take time to reflect on the unwavering dedication of the earliest patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of American independence at the very founding of our nation some 250 years ago. May we carry forward their legacy of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to freedom, ensuring that their memory lives on here in the communities of Norfolk County and beyond.

Note: Veteran’s Day speaker Natalie Fultz died the following year after her speech at age 101 on September 26, 2020. She was buried in a private ceremony at Milton Cemetery, on the same grounds where she delivered her memorable Memorial Day speech.

2026 Memorial Day observances for the Town of Franklin - Monday, May 25

The Town of Franklin invites residents, veterans, families and visitors to come together in remembrance and gratitude during the community’s 2026 Memorial Day observances. A series of events will honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

The Memorial Day Breakfast will take place on Friday, May 22, from 9 to 11 AM, at the Franklin Senior Center and offers an opportunity for the veteran community to gather ahead of Memorial Day. Reservations are required and must be made by Friday, May 8, by calling the Veterans’ Services Office at 508-613-1315.

On Memorial Day, the community is invited to attend a series of commemorative events, beginning with ceremonies at Dean College at 9:30 AM, Union Street Cemetery at 9:50 AM, and St. Mary’s Cemetery at 10:10 AM, prior to the start of the parade.

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony — May 25, 2026

The Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, at 11 AM, beginning at Horace Mann Middle School and proceeding along Oak Street, Daniel McCahill Street, Union Street, West Central Street, Emmons Street and Main Street, ending at the Franklin Town Common.

View the parade route: Memorial Day 2026 Parade Route

Download a PDF copy - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L7xl3qkGgSuR-9vLd2wpdOCqsiBUPdRq/view?usp=sharing

The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 12 PM at the World War I Memorial on the Town Common immediately following the parade. The ceremony will honor Franklin veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day, as well as the Town’s 45 fallen heroes who died in service to the nation.

In the event of inclement weather, updates and cancellation notices will be posted on the Town’s Veterans’ Services webpage (https://www.franklinma.gov/335/Veterans-Services).

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served. The Town of Franklin encourages all to take part in these observances and join in honoring the legacy of our nation’s heroes.

2026 Memorial Day observances for the Town of Franklin

The Town of Franklin invites residents, veterans, families and visitors to come together in remembrance and gratitude during the community’s 2026 Memorial Day observances. A series of events will honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

The Memorial Day Breakfast will take place on Friday, May 22, from 9 to 11 AM, at the Franklin Senior Center and offers an opportunity for the veteran community to gather ahead of Memorial Day. Reservations are required and must be made by Friday, May 8, by calling the Veterans’ Services Office at 508-613-1315.

On Memorial Day, the community is invited to attend a series of commemorative events, beginning with ceremonies at Dean College at 9:30 AM, Union Street Cemetery at 9:50 AM, and St. Mary’s Cemetery at 10:10 AM, prior to the start of the parade.

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony — May 25, 2026

The Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, at 11 AM, beginning at Horace Mann Middle School and proceeding along Oak Street, Daniel McCahill Street, Union Street, West Central Street, Emmons Street and Main Street, ending at the Franklin Town Common.

View the parade route: Memorial Day 2026 Parade Route

Download a PDF copy - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L7xl3qkGgSuR-9vLd2wpdOCqsiBUPdRq/view?usp=sharing

The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 12 PM at the World War I Memorial on the Town Common immediately following the parade. The ceremony will honor Franklin veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day, as well as the Town’s 45 fallen heroes who died in service to the nation.

In the event of inclement weather, updates and cancellation notices will be posted on the Town’s Veterans’ Services webpage (https://www.franklinma.gov/335/Veterans-Services).

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served. The Town of Franklin encourages all to take part in these observances and join in honoring the legacy of our nation’s heroes.

Memorial Day Update via Franklin VFW Post 3402

Via the Franklin VFW Post 3402

Memorial Day Parade Route

"We’re less than 9 weeks until Memorial Day!

The parade will be held on Monday and follow the new route that was debuted last year. 

It will begin at 11:00 AM at the Franklin Middle School and travel up Oak/Daniel McCahill St to Union St to 140 to Emmons to Main ending back at the Town Common.

I am sorry to share that there will be no Franklin Public School bands in the parade this year due to budget cuts. We do have the Benjamin Franklin Charter School band playing and we’re supposed to have the National Guard Band that performed last year back this year (we’re very lucky)! 

We hope many veterans will join us to walk (or ride) in the parade. Those veterans with kids are welcome to have their kids walk with them!

Immediately following the parade’s conclusion will be the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Town Common. There will be additional sound speakers this year to help the audience hear what is being said. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone on May 25th!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/post3402/posts/pfbid0iwxaUY3ckJqFhjUg3PgZM2Vc62brFyZgZ18zGcpD7L67vHftH3h9SVaTMhY8JocJl

Franklin TV: Memorial Day Breakfast & Parade for 2025 (video)

Memorial Day Breakfast 2025

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04CztHlxZKE

Memorial Day 2025

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79er1B_Cpd0

The audio version of the Town Common ceremonies can be found here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-of-franklin-ma-memorial-day.html

Memorial Day 2025: Complete cemetery, Parade & Town Common video - May 26, 2025

Produced by Franklin TV - video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79er1B_Cpd0

The recap and audio from the Town Common ceremony is also available ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-of-franklin-ma-memorial-day.html

Commander Carruthers and a girl scout placing one of the wreaths

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, May 30, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This segment features the audio of the Memorial Day Ceremony conducted on the Town Common at noon on Monday, May 26, 2025 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-of-franklin-ma-memorial-day.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Town of Franklin, MA: Memorial Day Ceremony - May 26, 2025 (audio)

FM #1455 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1455 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio of the Town of Franklin Memorial Day ceremony held on the Town Common at the end of the parade on Monday, May 26, 2025. The day was sunny, a few passing clouds with a gentle breeze. 

Veterans Service Officer Shannon Nisbett is the master of ceremonies and introduces each speaker, and walks us through the program. 

The ceremony runs about 47 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1455-town-of-franklin-ma-memorial-day-ceremony-05-26-25/

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My photos (for both the parade & ceremony) are found in one album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/w7AdGvP6PDGimFT88 

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

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"

Commander Carruthers and a girl scout placing one of the wreaths