Fallen Hero Recognition Schedule for September 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.

Sept 9 – David Bullukian, Jr. – WWII

Sept 18 – Levi Pieri – WWI

Sept 21 – Lawrence E. Garron, Jr. – Vietnam

Sept 21 – Alfred L. Mucciarone – WWI

Sept 25 – Frank J. Smith – WWI

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: 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

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

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/

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

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

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

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"

Quattro Eroi Lodge #1414 - 100th Anniversary Pasta Dinner - May 17

Quattro Eroi Lodge #1414 - 100th Anniversary
Pasta Dinner - May 17

"The Quattro Eroi Lodge's celebratory dinner will be held on May 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the VFW Hall, 1034 Pond St. The dinner will be catered by Oliva's in Milford and includes pasta, meatballs, salad, bread as well as coffee and dessert. Drinks will be available at the VFW bar.

Tickets are $20 ($15 for members and $10 for children under 12). They can be obtained by sending a check made out to Quattro Eroi Lodge to 1 Toni Ln, Franklin, MA 02038 and tickets will be mailed to you.

In addition to the dinner, there will be a raffle of at least 17 baskets of goodies and a short presentation honoring the "4 heroes" for which the Lodge is named. They are: Emilio Daddario, Alfred Mucciarone, Alessandro Patete, and Patrick Ristaiino.

Rep. Jeff Roy, Town Council Chair Bob Dellorco, and Norfolk County Commissioner Richard Staiti will present citations in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Lodge.

It promises to be a fun evening with great food, nice prizes, good conversation and interesting people!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSJ5WVs8F/

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

VFW POST 3402's 90th Anniversary Banquet - Saturday, March 14

VFW POST 3402's 90TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET

FEATURING

The Sullivan Family’s Famous Corned Beef Dinner & 

Presentation of Awards to Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Essay Winners!

VFW POST 3402's 90th Anniversary Banquet - Saturday, March 14

SATURDAY, MARCH 14TH 

• 6 PM COCKTAILS 
• 7 PM DINNER

FRANKLIN VFW POST 3402

1034 POND ST, FRANKLIN, MA

TICKETS: $17 BY MARCH 5TH

Call/Text Ernest @ 508-259-7938 or email post3402@vfwma.org

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EyTom6Qu6_PmJlojat6iR9s1CbxEXx6p/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.

--------

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.

--------

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, September 27, 2025 ??

Saturday, September 27

8:00am St Vincent DePaul Walk/Run fundraiser (Franklin Town Common)

9:00am Annual Yard Sale (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Thrifty Threads  (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Car wash fund raiser for FHS Girls Basketball (Franklin Car Wash)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social (Veterans of Foreign Wars)

12:00pm Harvest Festival (Main St, Franklin)

12:00pm Fashion Fling & Find (Franklin United Methodist Church)

12:00pm Library lawn games (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm Community Cookout  (Franklin United Methodist Church)

2:00pm Medway Porchfest (live music) (Medway, MA )

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA

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

Veterans Coffee Social at VFW on Saturday, Sep 27 at 10:00 AM

Veterans Coffee Social at VFW on Saturday, Sep 27 at 10:00 AM

Coffee Social THIS Saturday 9/27 at 10 AM.

Feel free to stop by for a cup (or more) of coffee and a donut. Open to all.

Franklin VFW 1034 Pond St.

Members are invited to our monthly post meeting at 9am

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16xY9E81Rt/

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

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

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"