Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 31, 2024 Saugus observed Memorial Day 2024 (Saugus Advocate Photos by Mark E. Vogler) H undreds of spectators enjoyed the sunny and warm spring weather as they gathered along the parade route last Saturday (May 24) for Saugus’ Annual Memorial Day Parade, coordinated by the Saugus Veterans Council with assistance from the Town of Saugus. The parade began at Anna Parker Field, traveled down Essex Street toward Cliftondale Square, down Lincoln Avenue, onto Central Street, to Winter Street and into Riverside Cemetery for the Memorial Day Ceremonies. Dean Pedersen, retired Navy captain from the Chaplain’s Corps, was this year’s keynote speaker. Radio listeners around Greater Boston who were tuned into WMEX 1510 AM out of Quincy got to hear the parade and ceremony at Riverside Cemetery live in what was a fi rst for the parade. Saugus TV Studio Associate John Prudent again prepared a special Memorial Day video capturing Saugus veterans, which was displayed on truck that traveled in the parade. Guy Moley, the man behind local charity car shows, arranged a collection of classic cars in the parade. A new electric trash truck from WIN Waste Innovations – a major sponsor of last Saturday’s (May 25) parade – was near the front of the procession. PARADE GRAND MARSHAL: U.S. Navy veteran Jack Klecker, last year’s “Man of the Year” at Founders Day, acknowledges the crowd as he sits in the front seat of a 1919 Model T Ford owned by David Graham, of Marblehead. Marine Cpl. Scott J. Procopio, a Saugonian who was killed in action in Iraq, is honored with a moving memorial in the parade The Model T Ford rounds Veterans Park People hold flags over the graves of departed veterans. Rick Fail (center), operations offi cer of the Saugus Veterans Council, relaxes with the staff of WMEX 1510 AM from Quincy that broadcasted the parade live from Veterans Park. ANNOUNCEMENT Dean Pedersen, retired Navy captain from the Chaplain’s Corps, delivered the keynote address. Retired Chaplain LTC Robert Leroe of the Saugus Veterans Council says a prayer alongside Saugus Veterans Council Commander Stephen L. Castinetti. REVERE AMERICAN LEGION POST #61 Is reopening soon! We are happy to announce that we have begun taking reservations for our function hall at 249 Broadway, Revere for events after May 20, 2024 For information, please call 781-284-9511 Leave your name and telephone number. U.S. Army Staff Sergent Arthur F. DeFranzo, the town’s Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action in World War II, was remembered by relatives who decorated his grave. Saugus native Catherine Parrotta of Boston 25 News sang the National Anthem while Saugus Veterans Council Commander Stephen L. Castinetti saluted the fl ag.
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