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 

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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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Did you hear there is a New Memorial Day Parade Route for 2025?

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!

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

New Memorial Day Parade Route

New Memorial Day Parade Route

Happy Monday Franklin!!

Today we are exactly 8 weeks from our Annual Memorial Day Parade!!

And 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!

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

Veterans Coffee scheduled for March 5 at the VFW Post 3402

March 5 at the VFW Post 3402

 

"Due to the Senior Center closure, our monthly Veterans Coffee Social will be held this month only (March) at the VFW Post 3402, 1034 Pond St, Franklin, MA"

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Eie4S96Vq/

Fallen Heroes' Remembrance Ceremonies on Town Common: January - March 2025

Franklin Fallen Heroes' Upcoming Remembrance Ceremonies

In honor of the 45 Franklin Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, remembrance ceremonies are held on the anniversary of their KIA date. 

The ceremonies are led by members of the American Legion Post 75 and VFW Post 3402 and are held at 9:00 AM on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common. 

Family members, friends and members of the community are all welcome to attend. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be postponed to the following day.

• 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

Franklin TV has recorded each of the ceremonies. You can view the archive on YouTube ->   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA

You can also find the collection -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/07/fallen-hero-recognition-ceremonies-for.html

Fallen Heroes' Remembrance Ceremonies on Town Common: January - March 2025

Fallen Hero Recognition: Robert L. Cummings - Nov 30, 2024 - 9:00 AM

Memorial event today (11/30/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Captain Robert L. Cummings.

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.

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Fallen Hero: Captain Robert L. Cummings, U.S. Army

Captain Robert L. Cummings, U.S. Army, was born on August 10, 1915, the son of Louis and Ruth Cummings. Robert lived with his parents, one brother and two sisters at 65 Union Street. 

Robert graduated from Franklin High School with honors in 1933 and enlisted in the Army as a private in 1936. In 1937, he was appointed to West Point and upon completion, 4 years later, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. In 1942 he received his promotion to First Lieutenant. In November of 1942, Robert married the former Blanche Barwell of North Andover. 

In January of 1943, Robert L. Cummings was promoted to Captain. Captain Cummings served overseas beginning in March of 1944. He took part in the invasion of Guam after having completed special jungle fighting training. Captain Robert L. Cummings, an officer of the famous 77th Infantry Division, lost his life on November 30, 1944 fighting against the Japanese on Leyte. 

Captain Robert L. Cummings was 29 years old at the time of his death on Leyte.

Fallen Hero: Cummings

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

Franklin VFW To Reactivate Post Auxiliary

Franklin VFW Post 3402 is working towards reactivating the Post Auxiliary and is seeking at least 15 qualified individuals to join.

Our original auxiliary closed in 2021 as a result of COVID.

In order to bring the auxiliary back, we’ll need to submit an application to the State VFW Auxiliary along with the names of 15 new members and supporting documentation establishing each potential member’s eligibility.

Franklin VFW To Reactivate Post Auxiliary

WHAT DOES THE AUXILIARY DO?

The Auxiliary and the Post work together to serve veterans and our community. The nice thing about joining a new auxiliary is it’s a blank slate and the new membership can make it what they want it to be. They’ll elect a slate of approximately 9 officers including a president, a Secretary/treasurer, and 3 trustees.

The Post (Jointly with the Franklin American Legion) currently does the following activities that we envision the Auxiliary helping us with. Of course, it’s up to the Auxiliary whether or not to participate and they’re also free to do their own projects.

1. Holiday dinner on Thanksgiving and Christmas for veterans and widows/widowers of veterans with no local family

2. Holiday gift drive for veterans and their families that receive services from the Franklin Veteran’s Service Office

3. Back to School drive to get backpacks and school supplies for kids of veterans served by the Franklin Veteran’s Service Office

The Post also conducts the following activities that we envision doing with the Auxiliary

1. Volunteer at the VFWMA District 5 Cookout for the patients and staff of the West Roxbury VA Hospital (typically held each June)

2. Volunteer at the VFWMA Annual Christmas Party for the kids at the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital in Canton (the second Monday in December)

3. Participate in the VFW Day of Service (first Saturday each May)

4. Conduct the VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Essay Contests for students in grades 6-12 (essays are due each October 31st)

We’re always looking for additional activities to get involved in and welcome suggestions from our post members and future auxiliary members!

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE AUXILIARY?

The auxiliary is made up of certain male and female relatives of VFW eligible veterans who are at least 16 years old.

Eligible relatives include:

1. Grandparents

2. Parents

3. Spouse

4. Siblings

5. Children

6. Grandchildren

Steps and adopted count for eligibility. Unfortunately in-laws do not count.

The eligible veteran does not have to be a VFW member (but we’d love it if they were). They don’t need to be living either. As long as you can provide proof they qualified (DD-214 or similar) then you’re good. VFW Eligibility details can be found here https://www.vfw.org/join/eligibility

Eligible service for VFW Membership includes service in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, Inherent Resolve (ISIS), certain submarine duty, receipt of hostile fire/imminent danger pay, or service in Korea for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days.

HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Please reach out to Franklin VFW Post Commander Ernest Carruthers via e-mail at post3402@vfwma.org or send a Facebook message to the Franklin VFW. You can also leave a message at the post at 508-533-2377.

You can visit the VFW National Auxiliary website here https://vfwauxiliary.org/

You can visit the VFW Massachusetts Auxiliary website here https://vfwauxma.org 

You can visit the Franklin VFW website here https://post3402.org/

Fallen Hero Recognition: Emilio Dadario, October 10, 2024 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (10/10/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Emilio Dadario. 

The brief program will include  

• 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  

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

The program is conducted on the Franklin Town Common along the Veterans Walkway by the granite column of the individual being remembered on the day of their recorded passing.

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Emilio Dadario, Private, US Army,  WWI

Emilio Daddario was born in Ofena, Italy in 1895 of Mr. & Mrs. Dominico Daddario. He lived in Franklin for about 17 years before he answered the call to defend his new nation.

He entered the service on September 20, 1917, and was assigned to Company F, 302nd Infantry Regiment, 76th Division, and shipped overseas on March 12, 1918.

Among other responsibilities, Emilio was the company bugler, a duty of which he was very proud.

On the battlefield, he served in Company K, 28th Infantry, 1st Division and was killed on this date in 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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Edward L. Grant - Oct 5, 2024 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (10/05/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Edward L. Grant. 

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.

Edward L. Grant, Captain U.S. Army  WWI

Edward Leslie Grant was born May 21, 1883, in Franklin of Mr. & Mrs. G.H. Grant. He graduated from Franklin public schools, later going to Dean Academy where he distinguished himself in baseball. 

After graduation in 1902, he studied law at Harvard University, attaining his Law Degree, and played professional baseball during the summers. With Jersey City in 1906 he led the Eastern League with a .322 average. Eddie enjoyed his finest season in 1909, batting .269 as Philadelphia's leadoff hitter and finishing second in the National League with 170 hits.

Before a double-header against the Giants that year, he supposedly found a domino with 7 white spots. As the story goes, in joking with his teammates that the domino was an omen, that he would have seven hits that day. Eddie went 5 for 5 against Christy Matthewson in the first game, and batted safely in his first two at bats in the night cap. The 7 consecutive hits are believed to be a National League record.

After playing for the Philadelphia Nationals, Cinnicinati Reds, and finally, the NY Giants, he decided to retire in 1916 when he was 32 years old. He intended to develop his Boston law practice. This lasted only about a year. When the United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, be became the major leaguer to enlist.

After 4 months of training in New York, he was commissioned as Captain of Company H of the 307th Infantry Regiment and trained at Camp Upton on Long Island with the troops he would lead.

Arriving in France as part of the American Expeditionary Force, Grant's division saw some combat before being assigned to the Meuse-Argonne offensive, the great final American drive of the war.

On October 2, 1918, the 307th Regiment launched an attack on the the Argonne forest, a rugged heavily wooded area with thick underbrush, deep ravines and marshes. His regiment was part of the command trying to rescue Whittlesey's Lost Battalion.

On October 5th, Eddie Grant was exhausted. He hadn't slept since the beginning of the offensive, and some fellow officers noticed him sitting on a stump with a cup of coffee in front of him, too weak to lift it.

One of his troops, a former policeman on the Polo Grounds in NY remembered the following:

"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."

Today he is remembered as the first and most prominent major leaguer to be killed in combat in WWI.

He was buried near where he fell and later removed to the Romagne Cemetery where he rests today.

A monument in Grant's honor was unveiled at the Polo Grounds on Memorial Day in 1921, the baseball field at Dean bears his name as does Franklin's American Legion Post.

Edward L Grant was one of Franklin's most worthy sons, winning honor for himself, his unit, his country, and reflecting credit on the town of his birth.

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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

Reminder: Franklin Fallen Heroes’ Upcoming Remembrance Ceremonies

In honor of the 45 Franklin Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, remembrance ceremonies are held on the anniversary of their KIA date. The ceremonies are led by members of the American Legion Post 75 and VFW Post 3402 and are held at 9:00 AM on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common. Family members, friends and members of the community are all welcome to attend.

The Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75 was named in honor of Fallen Hero Edward L. Grant, who was born and raised in Franklin. Grant attended Dean Academy (now Dean College) for one year and received undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University. He was an attorney and major league baseball player, and one of the first men to enlist in the Army in WWI. American Legion Post 75 members are invited to attend Edward Grant’s remembrance ceremony on Saturday, October 5. 

October 

October 5 – Edward L. Grant – WWI

October 6 – Shane Cabino – Iraq

October 10 – Emilio Daddario – WWI

November

November 6 – Jay Stone Davis – WWI

November 7 – Lawrence J. Clark – WWI

November 11 – Daniel E. McCahill - WWII

November 30 – Robert L. Cummings – WWII

December 

December 6 – Harry R. Bean – Korea

December 28 – Charles E. Mason - WWII

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 earlier this year

Fallen Hero Recognition: Frank J. Smith - Sep 25, 2024, 9 AM

Memorial event today (9/25/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Frank J. Smith, Pvt. U S Army, WWI.   

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: Frank J. Smith, Pvt. U S Army, WWI

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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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