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 *
For those unable to participate in person at the ceremonies on Memorial Day, a copy of the program handout is available here. Thanks to my daughter, Allison, for taking the photos and videos to share here. I was away for a wedding weekend in the Baltimore area where we got to spend some time in Annapolis, one of the first capitals of the USA. The Memorial Day program can also be downloaded from here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fSSi5tTnqEv3VBRsSp0x2nzilNpv6Wu-/view?usp=sharing
a glorious day to remember (photo by Allison Sherlock)
Squire Fredrick, our tour guide, describing General Washington resigning his commission to the Continental Congress
The Memorial Day Parade will be held on May 27, 2019. Schedule of Events: 10:00 AM Check in at 21 Main St (Dean Bank) in Franklin, You will be assigned a marching position when you sign in. 10:30 AM The parade begins. We will start at the corner of Main Street and Depot Street Ave. Route: Begins at Dean Bank on Main Street, to the Dean Memorial, left onto School Street, Right on to W Central Street (stopping a the Union Street Cemetery), to a right on Beaver Street (stopping at the St Mary's Cemetery) and continuing on to the Franklin Town Common. 12:00 Noon Memorial Day Service at the War Memorial In case of rain, please check this website for announcements. If the parade is cancelled due to rain, the ceremony will still be held at 12:00 Noon at the Town Common War Memorial. Click Here for the Parade Route
Holidays Collection will be delayed one day if your collection day falls on or after one of these observed holidays. Please note if an observed Holiday falls on a Sunday there will be NO DELAY in collection.
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Trash and recycling pickup schedule - delayed one day due to Memorial Day
On Monday, May 27, the Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule. All lines will operate normal Sunday train service, not shuttle buses. Please refer to the train schedule for departure and arrival times. Last Updated: May 24 2019 01:47 PM The Franklin Line schedule can be found online https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable
This year's Parade will be held on Monday, May 27, 2019. Your organization is invited to participate in this very special event to honor the men and women who gave their lives and those still unaccounted for. To register your organization please complete our Registration Form Please take note of our Participant Rules https://sites.google.com/view/franklinmamemorialdayparade/parade-rules-regulations?authuser=0 Click Here for the Parade Route https://sites.google.com/view/franklinmamemorialdayparade/parade-route?authuser=0 Schedule of Events: 10:00 AM Check in at 21 Main St (Dean Bank) in Franklin, You will be assigned a marching position when you sign in. 10:30 AM The parade begins. We will start at the corner of Main Street and Depot Street Ave. Route: Begins at Dean Bank on Main Street, to the Dean Memorial, left onto School Street, Right on to W Central Street (stopping a the Union Street Cemetery), to a right on Beaver Street (stopping at the St Mary's Cemetery) and continuing on to the Franklin Town Common. 12:00 Noon Memorial Day Service at the War Memorial In case of rain, please check this website for announcements. If the parade is cancelled due to rain, the ceremony will still be held at 12:00 Noon at the Town Common War Memorial.
It's that time of year again to plan the annual Franklin Memorial Day Parade. The following information below will help you to inform your group, friends, families and visitors as to how to prepare for the parade. This year you WILL BE REQUIRED TO REGISTER at www.FranklinMemorialDay.com in order to march or participate. Please have your group(s), band, etc register by May 24, 2019 Thank you!
The Library will be closed Sunday, May 12 for Mother's Day, and Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day. The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday, 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours are September through May only. May 2019 Franklin Public Library Newsletter https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/may2019newsletter.pdf
The annual Memorial Day Breakfast is scheduled for the Franklin Senior Center on Friday, May 24, 2019. Guest speaker Alan Earls will discuss the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. Please call the Senior Center to register 508-520-4945
The next installation of engraved bricks on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the FranklinTown Common will coincide with Memorial Day 2019. “Brick sales are ongoing and bricks will be sold until all the bricks on the walkway are engraved,” said Larry Bederian, Chairman of the Veterans Memorial Walkway Committee. “Engraved bricks make great gifts for family members and friends who are U.S. veterans or currently serving in the military. People buy them for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day gifts. It’s a great way to honor our service men and women. And, the veteran doesn’t have to be from Franklin. We’ve had a great response to this project from people all over New England and beyond,” Bederian added. Engraved bricks include the service member’s first, middle and last name and branch of service. Bricks are $100 each and order forms are available in the lobby of the Town Hall, the Senior Center and online at: franklinveteransbricks.com. For more information, contact Franklin VFW Post 3402 at: (508) 533-2377.
Veterans Memorial Walkway - Next installation for Memorial Day 2019
The Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO) serves veterans and their dependents in recognition of their service to our nation. Responsibilities of the VSO include educating veterans and their dependents about the benefits available to them, dispensing state sponsored veterans’ benefits under M.G.L. Chapter 115 and assisting veterans and their dependents or survivors in obtaining state and federal benefits or entitlements which they have earned. In addition to my responsibilities to the veterans of Franklin, I serve as the Veterans’ Service Advocate for Norfolk County and as the VSO for the Town of Avon. Norfolk County is the only county in the Commonwealth to have an individual dedicated to Veterans’ Services. Through an agreement between the Town and the County, I am able to continue to support the VSO’s in the 28 cities and towns of Norfolk County while primarily servicing the Franklin veterans’ community. As our veterans and their dependents/survivors age, there are more demands for benefits provided by the Commonwealth’s Department of Veterans’ Services and the U. S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. During the past year, there has been an increase in the number of Franklin veterans who have recently completed their military service. It is very important that veterans and widows identify themselves on the town census. This information enables the VSO to identify services available to them. I sent a letter to every veteran and widow identified on the town census earlier this year. As you see in our contacts this year, the mailing generated a significant amount of interaction for the office. Fiscal Year 2018 Office contacts for the VSO were:
Walk-Ins 469
Appointments 403
Incoming Calls 1,406
Outgoing Calls 701
Actionable Email 184
Total contacts: 3,163
A 26.4% increase over FY 2017! Franklin veterans, dependents and surviving family members received over $4,503,000 in compensation and pension payments from the VA in FY 17. I participated in many civic events during the year at schools and civic groups. The VSO is always willing to attend an event to speak about veterans, veterans’ benefits, the military experience or to support a patriotic event. I invite other veterans to attend such events. If you are interested in attending any event, please contact my office. I also work with Boy Scouts and other students who are interested in community service projects when they are available. Franklin Veterans’ Council The Franklin Veterans’ Council meets on the Third Thursday of the month, 7pm, at the Franklin Senior Center. Dates, times and meeting locations are posted on the Veterans’ Services web page. All veterans and any interested individual or organization are welcome to attend. This group serves as a communications outlet for veteran and military related events and activities in the community as well as an opportunity for veterans to obtain information about state and federal benefits and changes. The Council is chaired by the VSO. Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway The Franklin Veterans’ Council formed a subcommittee, the Veterans Walkway Committee in 2016. On October 25, 2017 Dale Kurtz, representing the committee, made a presentation to the Town Council about constructing a Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Town Common. The Town Council unanimously approved the project on November 15, 2017. The Veterans Walkway Committee has sold bricks through the VFW Post 3402 to fund the project. Bricks will continue to be sold until the walkway is filled with veterans’ names. Funding was also provided by a grant from the State Department of Veterans Services through the efforts of our state legislators. This committee has done a tremendous amount of research and work to ensure that we properly recognize those veterans from the Town of Franklin who died during our nation’s wars from World War I through today. Construction is scheduled to start in September 2018. The goal is to have the new walkway dedicated on Veterans’ Day 2018. For information about the walkway, please contact the Veterans Services Office. Veterans’ Day Luncheon The Franklin Veterans’ Day Luncheon was held on Friday, November 10, 2017 at the Franklin Elks Lodge #2136. Franklin High School Select Chorus led us in the National Anthem and provided musical interludes during the program. American Legion Post 75 presented the colors and we were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Lisa Plante, Post Chaplain Robert Markunis, American Legion Post 75, provided our invocation. State Representative Jeffrey Roy provided brief remarks for the audience. The VSO provided information about new and existing programs for veterans. Honorably discharged veterans may now shop on line at the Post Exchange, shopmyexchange.com. Veterans may also obtain a Veterans’ ID Card (VIC) at vets.gov. The announcement of the Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway was the key topic of the program. Memorial Day Breakfast Our deceased veterans were remembered at The Franklin Memorial Day Breakfast on Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Franklin Senior Center. Franklin High School choral group led by Olivia Goliger, Franklin Music Teacher, led us in the National Anthem and provided musical interludes during the program. American Legion Post 75 presented the colors. John Hefele, American Legion, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Bob Gardner, Franklin veteran, provided our invocation. We remembered the 45 veterans listed on our War Memorials who died during our nation’s conflicts and the 65 Franklin veterans who passed since our last Memorial Day. “Taps” was played after our moment of silent remembrance. State Representative Jeffrey Roy joined us and made a few brief remarks. Ed Geoffry, age 101 who served in Europe from 1941 to 1946, honored us by attending our breakfast. Natalie Webb and Anna Dixon each read a short article about one of our fallen heroes who will be memorialized on our Veterans Memorial walkway. Natalee wrote the articles which were published in the Franklin localtownpages newspaper. Plaques to be placed in the Memorial Walkway were on display for our guests. Missing Man Table The Missing Man Table was re-introduced to our Memorial Day ceremony after years of absence.I would like to explain the meaning of the items on this special table. The table is small symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her oppressors. The table is round to show that our concern for them is everlasting. The white tablecloth represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms. The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God. The single rose in the vase signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. The rose also reminds us of the families and friends of our missing comrades who keep faith awaiting their return.The vase is tied with a yellow ribbon, a symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing. The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. The candle symbolizes the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those not accounted for. The American flag reminds us that many of them never return and have paid the supreme sacrifice to ensure our freedom. A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate. The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait. The glass is inverted to remind us of their inability to share in this ceremony. The chair is empty. They are not here. Please remember those who have served and are currently serving our nation in harm’s way. Vet Ruck New England In August, a group of veterans from Warrior Thunder conducted a 200 mile ruck across Massachusetts to raise funds for the prevention of veteran suicide. That was 10 miles for each veteran suicide each day. I joined the group as they entered Franklin and walked with them to the Town Common where a brief ceremony was held to recognize their event and to provide some well appreciated refreshments. As I continued the walk through Franklin, the walkers commented on how nice Franklin looks and how warm the reception had been. They made comparisons with other towns and were very appreciative of the support they received here. Thank you to all of the town’s people who provided water, refreshments and donations to the walkers. They had started their walk in Pittsfield two day earlier and completed their journey the next day in Plymouth. Veterans Call I started a new program on Franklin Local TV, “Veterans Call”. The program is for and about veterans and airs on Franklin “All Access TV”. If you have suggestions for the show, please contact the Veterans Office. Chair of Honor The Chair of Honor resided at the Franklin Senior Center most of this year. It will rotate through other town buildings and schools through the next year. Other Events and Activities I co-hosted a Women Veteran’s Coffee Hour on February 24th at the Victorian Rhapsody Coffee Shop. I was joined by the Raynham and Norton VSO’s and representatives from other state and federal agencies. It was a good opportunity for women veterans to talk about their service and to obtain support for various benefits. For the past five years, I have worked with the Neponset Valley Rotary Club in hosting a veterans’ networking breakfast. We held this event on February 21st in Dedham and had over 20 veterans attend. I coordinated a Vietnam War 50th Pinning Ceremony with Congressman Kennedy’s office in March. The event was held at the Foxboro VFW. The Congressman provided 62 lapel pins to Vietnam Veterans. Community Support Veterans’ Services thanks these faithful supporters:
The Franklin Garden Club for the care and maintenance of the Veterans’ Memorial on the town common.
Elks Lodge #2136, BPOE, for their continued support of Franklin’s veterans including the sponsorship of the Veterans’ Day Luncheon, and the veterans’ fuel assistance program. Elks Lodge #2136 conducts numerous events during the year in support of our veterans in local VA facilities.
VFW Post 3402 for their assistance with the placement of flags on the graves of our deceased veterans for Memorial Day, their donation of poppies and their ongoing
support and attention to Franklin’s veterans.
American Legion, Edward L. Grant, Post 75 for their support of our veterans and their participation in our Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day events. Post 75 visits local
private medical and VA facilities to support and recognize our veterans.
The Friends of Franklin Elders for their support of the Memorial Day Breakfast at the Senior Center.
The staff of the Franklin Senior Center for their daily support of the Veterans Service Office and for their valued support of the Memorial Day Breakfast.
Franklin High School music department for the support of our events.
The citizens of Franklin for your support of our veterans and active duty service members.
Although, federal and state definitions of veterans are very specific as to time and component served for qualification for benefits, I hold to this definition of a veteran:
A veteran is someone – whether active duty, retired, National Guard or Reserve, served one day or twenty years – who at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to the Government of the United States of America for an amount of “up to and including my life.”
Parade Route: The 2018 Parade route will begin at the Depot Street and Dean Bank and proceed up Main St (towards Church St.), take a left onto School, to a Right on W Central Street, then a Right on Beaver St until we reach the Town Common / Church Square. The parade will once again stop at the Dean Memorial, Union St and St Mary's Cemetery's. Parade Information: Date: Monday, May 28, 2018 10:00 am: Muster: Group leaders must check in at the Dean Bank Parking Lot 10:30 am: Parade Starts 12:00 pm: Ceremony at the Franklin Town Common
The Franklin Garden Club maintains the flowers beds
I worked in Boston on Wednesday and stopped by the Boston Common on the way to the MBTA at South Station to catch this view of the annual flag garden put up that day. It will remain through Memorial Day to honor the 37,000+ Massachusetts residents who gave it all for our country.
"Our signature community building event! We and hundreds of volunteers create a majestic garden of flags on Boston Common for Memorial Day weekend. Each of the 37,000+ flags we plant at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument will represent every brave Massachusetts service member who gave his or her life defending our country since the Revolutionary War. The completed garden is a breathtaking tribute to the true meaning of Memorial Day and a powerful message of community support to the families of these fallen heroes that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
We rely on donors and volunteers to create this display and to stand watch over them throughout Memorial Day weekend. More information about these opportunities can be found here: Volunteer flyer 2018."
On Monday, May 28, the commuter rail will operate on a Sunday schedule. All lines will operate normal Sunday train service, not shuttle buses. Please refer to the train schedule for departure and arrival times.
Memorial Day is celebrated on Monday, May 28. Town offices (and the Library) will be closed. This is one of the Monday holidays that delays the trash and recycling schedule. With no pickup on Monday, those scheduled for Monday will be picked up Tuesday. Those on Tuesday will be picked up on Wednesday, and so forth. Just imagine DPW Director leaving the voice message about the delayed schedule. I can write it but he reads it so much better!
Town Office Closed on Memorial Day; trash/recycling scheduled delayed one day
Franklin Residents: Trash and Recycling pick up schedule - delayed one day this week
Hello, It's that time of year again to plan the annual Franklin Memorial Day Parade. The following information below will help you to inform your group, friends, families and visitors as to how to prepare for the parade. Many items will change this year, including our starting and drop off locations so please take note. Participant Drop Off Drop off will be done on Dean Avenue. If your group is participating in this years parade please drop them off on Dean Avenue. DO NOT HAVE ANYONE IN YOUR GROUP STOP ON MAIN STREET FOR DROP OFF. This is very dangerous and the last few years we have had some close calls with children almost getting hit. This includes scouting troops and bands. Parade Route: The 2018 Parade route will begin at the Depot Street and Dean Bank and proceed up Main St (towards Church St.), take a left onto School, to a Right on W Central Street, then a Right on Beaver St until we reach the Town Common / Church Square. The parade will once again stop at the Dean Memorial, Union St and St Mary's Cemetery's. Please see the attached update Parade Route Sheet. Parade Information: Date: Monday, May 28, 2018 10:00 am: Muster: Group leaders must check in at the Dean Bank Parking Lot 10:30 am: Parade Starts 12:00 pm: Ceremony at the Franklin Town Common What We Need From You: Reply to this email with your Troop, Group, Band information, contact person and estimated amount of participants in your group. ALL participants must reply by May 15th Forward this information to anyone who may need it in your Group, Troop, Band, or Organization to the email Matt@RealLivingRealtyGroup.com with any questions. It’s a Good Life, Matt Kelly CEO / Owner Direct: (508) 520-1600 Fax: (508) 590-0278 www.MattKellyHomes.com
WWI Doughboy on the Town Common when trees are in full bloom
The program for the Memorial Day ceremonies and parade is shared here.
Parade Route:
The 2017 Parade route will begin at the Depot Street and Dean Bank and proceed up Main St (towards Church St.), take a left onto School, to a Right on W Central Street, then a Right on Beaver St until we reach the Town Common / Church Square. The parade will once again stop at the Dean Memorial, Union St and St Mary's Cemetery's.
Parade Information:
Date: Monday, May 29, 2017 10:00 am: Muster: Group leaders must check in at the Dean Bank Parking Lot 10:30 am: Parade Starts 12:00 pm: Ceremony at the Franklin Town Common
