Above: A community member offered comfort to Southborough veterans “touched by war”. (photo by Beth Melo)
Southborough Veterans, Town Officials, scouts, and community members gathered on a bitterly cold, windy morning to honor members of the military who have served our country.
The weather may have added to veterans’ appreciation of the warm gesture made in a special presentation this year.
The event included the traditional procession from the Community House to the All Wars Memorial, followed by patriotic songs, speeches, the reading of Flanders Field, a gun salute, and the playing of taps to remember both veterans who passed since last year and former community members who died in service long ago.
Here are photo highlights from yesterday morning’s traditional observances (most by my son, Michael Melo):
This year also included special presentations. Southborough’s Anita Reeder and her husband were invited up, along with Southborough veterans John Minucci, William Davis, Jacque Leduc, Christopher Robbins, and James Harding.
Reeder, a local volunteer for the organization Quilts of Valor, wrapped each of the veterans in the handmade quilts that she made.
Community members were informed that QOV quilts are made to offer comfort and healing to community members who have been “touched by war”.
Following the presentation to living veterans, an additional presentation was made to honor and remember the service of Robert Foley Killed-in-Action on November 11, 1968.
Foley was the only Southborough resident to die in the Vietnam war. Reeder wrapped the quilt around Foley’s brother Jim.
Reeder was then honored by the Town, with a certificate presented by Select Board Chair Andrew Dennington in recognition of her service to the community.
The Community Advocate followed up to interview Reeder about her volunteer work. She told the paper that making the quilts for QOV “is one of the more meaningful things that I do in my life”. You can read that story here.
