Fallen Hero Recognitions: Petete & Ristaino - World War I - July 18, 2026 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (7/18/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Alesandro Patete, Pvt, U.S. Army and Patrick Ristaino, Pvt, U.S. Army. 

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.

Alesandro Patete, Pvt, U.S. Army -  WWI

Alesandro was born in Pescolanicano, Italy in 1893, son of Vincent and Michela (Padula) Patete. 

He was a baker by trade and lived in Franklin for 8 years before joining the Army. He was inducted into the Army on October 16,1917, joining Company I 309th Infantry. He went overseas on May 18, 1918, and 3 months later died from his wounds on this date 1918 on the height's northeast of Sergy, France at the Battle of the Argonne. 

He is buried in Meuse-Argonne Cemetery. 

On January 7, 1968, Alesandro was posthumously honored with a Purple Heart at a large ceremony at the Oddfellows Hall in Franklin. His certificate was received by his brother Domenic Patete.

Alesandro Patete, Pvt, U.S. Army -  WWI

Patrick Ristaino, Pvt, U.S. Army -  WWI

Patrick was only 23 when he died in combat. He was born in August of 1895 of Michael and Silvia Ristaino. He was one of three brothers. Patrick had risen to the position of foreman of Franklin's rubber factory when he was called to join the Army on October 4, 1917. 

After serving with the 76th Division for a time, he transferred to Co. K 165th Infantry of the 42 Division and went overseas on March 12, 1918.

He was mortally wounded on the height's northeast of Sergey France, in the Ainse- Marne offensive and died on this date in 1918.

He too, was honored posthumously with the Purple Heart at a large ceremony at the Oddfellows Hall in Franklin, on January 7, 1968. His certificate was received by his cousin, Patrick M. Ristaino, on behalf of Patrick's brother, Raymond Ristaino of Falmouth.

Patrick Ristaino, Pvt, U.S. Army -  WWI

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

For the schedule of Fallen Hero recognitions 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/honoring-our-franklin-veterans-who-died.html

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, July 17, 2026 ???

Friday, July 17

9:00am Fallen Hero: Gerald M. Parmenter (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Matt Zajac (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:30pm 3Sum Band (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890

***  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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Gerald M. Parmenter - World War II - July 17, 2026 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (7/17/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, U.S. Army Air 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.

Fallen Hero: First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, U.S. Army Air Corps

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, son of Ernest and Maud Parmenter, was born on October 18, 1917. Gerald lived at 466 King Street with his parents and a twin brother. He attended the Franklin Public Schools and was graduated from Franklin High School in 1935 and from Hill College in Woonsocket in 1937. Gerald did accounting work at local businesses and was associated with his father at the Red Mount Poultry Farm here in Franklin.  

Prior to the war Gerald, who was very enthusiastic about aviation, obtained his license as a civilian pilot. Gerald enlisted in the Army Air Corp in August of 1942 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1943 at Yuma, Arizona. First Lieutenant Parmenter served as a pilot in the air transport ferrying command, piloting planes built in this country to the British Government in Nassau.  

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter died from injuries received in an air crash while in the line of duty near Ramsar, India in the Asiastic Theatre.  

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter was 26 years old at the time of his death on July 17, 1944 while serving his country during WWII.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-first-lieutenant-gerald-m.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: First Lieutenant Parmenter

Fallen Hero Recognition: Baldo S. Lazzerini - June 24, 2026 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/24/26) at 9:00 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Baldo S. Lazzerini Technical Sergeant U.S. Army. 

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: Technical Sergeant Baldo S. Lazzerini, U.S. Army

Technical Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini was born on January 29, 1913 in Franklin son of Quinto and Julia Lazzerini. Baldo made his home here in Franklin from age 16 with the Pacifico and Amelia Gianetti Family of 57 Hutchinson Street. Baldo’s active duty began upon his enlistment on March 20, 1941. 

Technical Sergeant Baldo S. Lazzerini served with the U.S. 5th Army, G-2 Intelligence service in Italy as an interpreter for General Mark Clark. T/Sgt Lazzerini was involved in the heaviest of fighting in Italy and had personally witnessed the surrender of Italian generals to Allied generals, with whose staff he was connected. T/Sgt Baldo Lazzerini’s brilliance in military operations, coupled with his knowledge of the Italian language gave him rapid rise in rank. 

T/Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini died as a result of a military vehicle accident in Italy on June 24, 1945. 

participants in the ceremony on June 12, 2024

Technical Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini was 32 years old at the time of his death in service during World War II.

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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 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 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, June 20, 2026 ???

Saturday, June 20

8:00am St. Mary Men's Faith Formation Group (St. Mary's Parish) 

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Edward A. Kelly (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Revolutionaries in White: A Look Across Three Centuries of Bridal Fashion     (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

4:00pm South Street Six (live music) (Dean College Stage at Patriot Place)

5:00pm 3rd Annual Celebration of Life Fun Run Festival (Plainville)

7:30pm Garden of Hedon (live music) (THE BLACK BOX)

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

*** NO  Town Meetings today ***

---------

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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Edward A. Kelly - June 20, 2026 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/20/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor First Lieutenant Edward A. Kelly, U.S. Army. 

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: First Lieutenant Edward A. Kelly, U.S. Army

First Lieutenant Edward A. Kelly, U.S. Army, was born on May 28, 1915, son of Michael and Ellen Kelly. Edward lived with his parents and one brother at 129 Fisher Street.  

First Lieutenant Edward A. Kelly was an officer in the regular army having enlisted on November 13, 1934. When conflict broke out, 1LT Kelly was sent to a tank outfit for training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was then ordered to the Hawaiian Islands to serve in an amphibious tractor outfit. 

1LT Kelly died a short time later on June 20, 1944, at age 29, while serving in Hawaii.  

1LT Edward A. Kelly was survived by his wife, Rose, and a child who were living in Los Angeles, CA at that time.  

First Lieutenant Edward A. Kelly was interred in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 17, 1949.

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

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: Timothy J. Hayes - June 14, 2026 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/14/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Sergeant Timothy J. Hayes, U.S. Army. 

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: Sergeant Timothy J. Hayes, U.S. Army

Sgt Timothy J. Hayes, U.S. Army was born on October 14, 1914, the son of Daniel and Margaret Hayes.  

Sgt Hayes was graduated from Franklin High School in 1932 and was the husband of the former Eleanor McGrory. The couple was married in Franklin on May 16, 1943 and lived at 62 Cross Street. 

Sgt Timothy Hayes served in the regular army prior to Pearl Harbor and was called back into service when war against Japan broke out. Sgt Hayes was sent to England in October of 1943 for several months to undergo rigorous airborne unit training as a paratrooper in preparation for the D-Day invasion.  

The Normandy assault was in two phases, an air assault landing of airborne troops shortly after midnight and an amphibious landing of Allied Infantry and armored divisions along the coast of France commencing at 6:30 AM.  

Sgt. Timothy Hayes was in the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, Company D deployment drop and on June 14, 1944 died of wounds received in combat during the D-Day invasion.  

Sgt Timothy J. Hayes was 29 years old at the time of his death and rests eternally in the Normandy American Cemetery in France.

Originally posted ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-sergeant-timothy-j-hayes-us.html 

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 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 

One man's quest to find out about Sgt Hayes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/one-mans-quest-to-find-out-about-sgt.html

Fallen Hero: Sgt Timothy Hayes

Fallen Hero Recognition: Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army - June 12, 2026 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/12/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army. 

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: Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army

Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army, born on December 8, 1921, was the son of Charles and Margaret Ellis, of 730 Union Street. For many years, Lloyd made his home here in Franklin with Mr. and Mrs. Warren Thayer of Fales Street. Lloyd attended the Franklin Schools and was graduated from Franklin High School in 1939 where he was a popular and talented member of his class.  

On November 14, 1942 Lloyd married the former Dorothy Brown of Franklin and he was employed as a machinist up until the time he entered the service of his country on September 13, 1943. After training, PFC Lloyd M. Ellis was sent overseas for combat in March of 1944.  

Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis was killed in action in France on June 12, 1944 during the height of the battle following the American invasion of that country.  

Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis was 22 years old at the time of his death during the invasion of France against the German forces.

Originally posted -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-private-first-class-lloyd-m.html

 

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 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 Schedule for June 2026

Fallen Hero Recognition Schedule for June 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford, U.S. Army Air Corps - June 1, 2026

Memorial event today (6/01/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford, U.S. Army Air 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.

 

Fallen Hero: Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford, U.S. Army Air Corps

Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford, U.S. Army Air Corps, was born in Franklin on April 1, 1915, son of James R. and Mary Hosford. William lived with his parents and three brothers and three sisters at 22 Queen Street. William graduated from Franklin High School class of 1933 and later attended Michigan State University.

William completed his flying course of instruction at Craig Field, Alabama and received his wings and commission on December 12, 1941. Second Lieutenant Hosford was assigned to the 35th Air Pursuit Squadron, 8th Pursuit Group, Port Moresby, New Guinea. On June 1, 1942 he was shot down by Japanese machine gun fire while in aerial combat flying a Bell P-39F.

Second Lieutenant William Hosford had written in letters to family and friends of his eagerness to serve his country even to the point of giving up his life, should it be necessary. When 2nd LT Hosford was called upon to make the supreme sacrifice, those nearest to him knew that he made it willingly.

Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford was 27 years old at the time of his death and now eternally rests in the Honolulu Memorial Site on Honolulu, Hawaii.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-second-lieutenant-william-g.html

Fallen Hero: 2nd L William Hosford

Fallen Hero Recognition: John Emidio Pasquantonio - April 30, 2026, 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

Fallen Hero Recognition: John J. Kell - April 17, 2026 at 9 AM

Fallen Hero Recognition is conducted each date that one of the 45 were reported to have died. All recognitions are held at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway.

The brief program (approx. 5 minutes) includes the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran, a salute from those present, and the playing of Taps. 

This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive. The public and any family members are welcome to attend.

Fallen Hero: Corporal John J. Kell, U.S. Army

Corporal John J. Kell, U.S. Army, was born in Franklin on November 4, 1924 to parents Archibald and Inez Kell. John lived with his parents, brothers and sisters at 39 Raymond Street and attended the Franklin Schools. 

CPL Kell volunteered from Franklin and served two years with the military police in England before asking for a transfer to active duty on the war front. John received a transfer to the infantry and was on active duty for several months before he was killed in action in Germany on April 17, 1945. 

Memorial services were conducted here in Franklin on May 13, 1945 honoring CPL John J. Kell whose eternal resting place is in an American Cemetery in Germany. 

Corporal Kell was 20 at the time of his death serving his country in World War II.

Fallen Hero Recognitions: Sgt. Paulette & Airman 1C Shaw (Vietnam) - April 9, 2026 - 9 AM

There are 2 Fallen Hero Recognition events today (4/09/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette, Vietnam and Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw. 

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: Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette

Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette was born on October 13, 1948, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Preston Daggett, who lived in Franklin before moving their family to New Bedford. As a young man Joseph spent his summers in Franklin with his uncle and aunt, Mr. And Mrs. Roger Villiard of Brook St. Sgt. Paulette had requested that if anything happened to him while in the service, that his funeral and burial take place in Franklin. 

Sergeant Paulette enlisted late in 1965 and became a member of the 101st·Airborne Battalion. Sergeant Paulette served two years in the Army with his Vietnam tour beginning on December 13,1967. Sgt. Paulette was killed along with five other casualties by hostile small arms fire on April 9, 1968 leading a combat mission in Quang Tri province, South Vietnam. 

Sergeant Joseph R. Paulette was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette

 

* Fallen Hero: Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw was born on June 30, 1952, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Shaw. Russell lived with his parents and four sisters at 561 Lincoln St. A 1970 graduate of Franklin High School Russell enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in July of that year. 

Airman Shaw graduated with honors from a technical training course at Sheppard AFB, Texas. He learned to maintain and service turbo-propeller aircraft and was assigned to Clark AFB for duty with a unit of the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service. 

Airman Shaw was killed in a motoring accident while serving at Clark Air Force Base, the Philippines on April 9, 1971. 

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw was 18 years old at the time of his death while serving during the Vietnam War.

 

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw

For the schedule of Fallen Hero recognitions 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/honoring-our-franklin-veterans-who-died.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: W. Franklin Lynch, World War I - March 30, 3026 9 AM

Memorial event today (3/30/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor W. Franklin Lynch, World War I.

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.

April

9 – Joseph R. Paulette – Vietnam

9 – Russell W. Shaw – Vietnam

17 – John J. Kell – WWII

30 – John E. Pasquantonio – Vietnam

Complete schedule for year

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

rive_link

You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3eJGInVXU&list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA

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 Recognitions for March & April 2026

Fallen hero schedule for the remainder of March & April 2026

March

30 – W. Franklin Lynch - WWI

April

9 – Joseph R. Paulette – Vietnam

9 – Russell W. Shaw – Vietnam

17 – John J. Kell – WWII

30 – John E. Pasquantonio – Vietnam

Complete schedule for year

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

rive_link

Fallen Hero Recognition: Private First Class Elton E. Ekstrom, U.S. Army - March 18, 2026

Memorial event today (3/18/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Private First Class Elton E. Ekstrom, U.S. Army.

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: Private First Class Elton E. Ekstrom, U.S. Army

Private First Class Elton E. Ekstrom, U.S. Army, was born on November 11, 1918 to August and Hannah Ekstrom. Elton lived with his parents, four sisters and three brothers at 417 Lincoln Street. 

Elton attended the Franklin Public Schools and for a number of years lived on Lincoln Street and maintained his residence there after his marriage to the former Arlene Beals. Elton and Arlene were the parents of two sons, Paul and Elton, Jr. Paul graduated from West Point and served two tours of duty as an army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Elton, Jr. also served in the army during the Vietnam War Era. 

PFC Elton E. Ekstrom served in the 87th Infantry Division of General Patton’s Third Army during the Rhine River crossing into Germany. Details of the Rhine River crossing as provided by Barbara Strang, 87th Infantry Division Historian, are as follows: “The assault boats of the 347th Battalion crossed the Rhine after midnight on March 25th. The Germans opened up with everything they had from the steep banks on the opposite side. Numerous boats were hit resulting in many casualties. Further assaults occurred at Rhens, Boppard, and Oberlahanstein.” 

Private First Class Elton E. Ekstrom was killed by machine gun fire on March 18, 1945 at age 26 while in combat crossing the Rhine River.

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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 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

You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3eJGInVXU&list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA

Fallen Hero: PFC Elton Ekstrom

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 ???

Tuesday, March 10

9:00am Fallen Hero: Marshall E. Rollins & John A. Schur (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***  Town Meetings today   ***

250th Franklin Anniversary Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 5:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2121 

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2175 

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Social event, no agenda posted

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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