Fallen Hero Recognition: Gerald M. Parmenter - World War II - July 17, 2025 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (7/17/25) 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: Howard T. Feeley - July 5, 2025 - 9 AM

Memorial event today at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Howard T. Feeley. 

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: Lieutenant (jg) Howard T. Feeley, U.S. Navy

Lieutenant (jg) Howard T. Feeley of the U.S. Naval Air Corps was born on August 25, 1916, son of Dr. J. Henry and Helen Howard Feeley. Howard lived at 21 School Street with his parents, one sister and one brother. Howard was a graduate of Franklin High School and attended Boston University and the University of Maine before entering the Naval Air Corps.  

Lieutenant (jg) Howard Feeley saw considerable action as a patrol commander aboard the famous Catalina flying boats. The Catalinas hunted U-boat packs and surface raiders in the Carribean and Atlantic. LTJG Feeley was also squadron commander of a flight of heavy planes which saw much action in Africa. He aided in the rescue of survivors of torpedoed ships, and carried cargoes of men, machinery, mail, food and weapons in addition to his regular patrol work.  

Lieutenant (jg) Howard T. Feeley lost his life on July 5, 1943 in a take-off crash at Deland, Florida, ironically after he had seen considerable combat action during the previous year. In the recent months prior to his death, LTJG Feeley had been training a new squadron of the navy’s newest bombers which were to be used as anti-submarine weapons.  

Lieutenant (jg) Howard T. Feeley was 26 years old at the time of his death on July 5, 1943 while serving his country during World War II.

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: LTJG Howard Feeley

Fallen Hero Recognitions for July, August 2025

The Killed in Action (KIA) dates for upcoming remembrance ceremonies on the Memorial Walkway for Franklin's 45 Fallen Heroes.

Our hope is to keep the memory of these Fallen Heroes alive. Families, friends and neighbors of the 45 have attended some of the ceremonies so the word has gotten out, thanks to you! 

July

5 - Howard T. Feeley WWII

Fallen Hero Recognitions for July, August 2025

17 - Gerald M. Parmenter - WWII

18 - Alessandro Petete - WWI

18 - Patrick Ristaino - WWI

30 - Anthony J. Mucciarone - WWII

August

15 - Jules Perret - WWII

15 - Robert R. Pirelli - IRAQ

20 - Edward C. Dailey - WWII

22 - John W. Wyllie, Jr. - 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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Baldo S. Lazzerini - June 15, 2025 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/24/25) at 9:00 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Baldo S. Lazzerini Technical Sergeant Baldo S. Lazzerini, 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: 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. 

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

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

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 

participants in the ceremony on June 12, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 20, 2025 ???

Friday, June 20

Library & Senior Center events

9:00am Fallen Hero: Edward A. Kelly (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 The Jazz Quartet (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

7:30pm Jamie Barrett (live Music) (Bog Iron Brewing, Norton)

7:30pm Electric Youth 2025 Bon Voyage (THE BLACK BOX)

8:00pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (Quarterdeck, Falmouth)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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, 2025 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/20/25) 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.

Fallen Hero: 1LT Edward Kelly

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

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 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 15, 2025 ???

Sunday, June 15 = Father’s Day

*** Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit (during Franklin Historical Museum Open Hours)

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Elijah H. Coldwell (Franklin Town Common)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

8:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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: Elijah H. Coldwell - June 15, 2025 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/15/25) 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.

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 

participants in the ceremony on June 12, 2024

Fallen Hero Recognition: Timothy J. Hayes - June 14, 2025 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/14/25) 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 

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 

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: Lloyd M. Ellis - June 12, 2025 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/12/25) 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

 

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 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 1, 2025 ???

Sunday, June 1

9:00am Fallen Hero: William G. Hosford (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

11:00am 2nd Annual Pride Flag Raising (355 E Central St)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)

8:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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: William G. Hosford, U.S. Army Air Corps - June 1, 2025

Memorial event today (6/01/25) 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.

 

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

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: Charles Christakes, World War II - May 11, 2025, 9 AM

Memorial event today (5/11/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Charles Christakes, World War II. 

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: Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes, U.S. Navy

Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes, U.S. Navy, was born on October 1, 1920, the son of Theodore and Agnes Christakes. Charles lived at 2 Garfield Street with his parents, three sisters and one brother. 

Charles graduated from Franklin High School in 1938 and then attended Dean Academy. Charles was an outstanding athlete and played semi-pro baseball and football in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. 

Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes served aboard the U.S.S. Hugh W. Hadley which was involved in a vicious attack of Japanese Kamikaze suicide planes. In a 95 minute attack, the Hadley shot down 23 enemy planes, more than any ship in any one engagement in Navy history, before or since. Thirty-one members of the crew perished and 116 others wounded. On May 11, 1945 in this Battle of Okinawa in the Pacific, Gunner Charles Christakes, when wounded went below for treatment. He then went back up to man the guns when he was killed. For his action, Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes was awarded the Silver Star. 

Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes was 24 at the time of his death on May 11, 1945 aboard the U.S.S. Hadley.

Fallen Hero: Christakes

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

NY Times: "There Is a Way Forward: How to Defeat Trump’s Power Grab"

"Mr. Trump has attacked at least five pillars of American democracy in his first 100 days:

• Separation of powers
• Due process
• Equal justice under law
• Free speech and freedom of the press
• Government for the people"

You can read the full article via this Gift Article link -> https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/01/opinion/trump-100-days-opposition.html?unlocked_article_code=1.E08.F85a.1fW3-2Q94TLd&smid=url-share

 

 

45 times a year, Franklin residents honor our fallen heroes; it would be a more than a shame if the democracy and freedoms they fought for were in vain