FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 05/23/2025
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
City of Framingham Hosting Memorial Day Ceremony Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Monday
FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham invites community members to its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at the Memorial Building inside Historic Nevins Hall, 150 Concord Street.
This solemn event honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
The program will be led by Master of Ceremonies Lino Covarrubias, CEO of Jewish Family Services of Metrowest and a U.S. Navy Veteran.
The ceremony will feature patriotic tributes, live musical performances, heartfelt remembrances, and special recognitions.
Program Highlights Include:
- Presentation of Colors by the Framingham Fire Department Honor Guard
- National Anthem performed by Maddie Tessitore, Framingham High School junior and incoming Drama Company President
- Pledge of Allegiance led by Framingham Scouts, joined by Nick Paganella, U.S. Army Korean War Veteran
- Prayer Offering by Captain Luis Alvarez, Massport Fire Rescue and U.S. Army National Guard
- Welcome Remarks from Kathleen Lang, Veterans Services Officer and U.S. Army Veteran
- Musical tribute by Charles F. Rousseau, Vice Chair, Veterans Council
- Remarks from Mayor Charlie Sisitsky and City Council Chair Philip R. Ottaviani, Jr.
- Reading of the Governor’s Proclamation by Eric Finn, U.S. Marine Veteran
- Keynote Address delivered by Lieutenant Colonel David B. Hutchinson, U.S. Army MA National Guard, Strategy & Plans Branch Chief, 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Honoring Our Heroes
This year’s ceremony will include a moving segment "In Remembrance,” led by Iolanda Araujo of Framingham High School and U.S. Army inductee, and Kara Dawson, U.S. Marine Veteran and Framingham Housing Authority Manager.
The event will also feature the presentation of three Medals of Liberty and four Medals of Fidelity, recognizing the extraordinary sacrifice of Framingham’s fallen service members.
Medal of Liberty Honorees:
- Private Nicholas G. Beram
- Private Charles H. Coates
- Lieutenant Junior Grade Gilbert C. Paine
Medal of Fidelity Honorees:
- Storekeeper Third Class William J. Bates
- Technical Sergeant William S. Beckford
- Gunnery Sergeant Alexander McGuirk
- Specialist Four Henry J. San Soucie
Former City Councilor Dennis Giombetti from Senate President Spilka’s office will present the medals to the Gold Star families. Benediction by Chaplain Robert B. Anspach will conclude the ceremony.
###