Above: Memorial tributes included honoring veterans who died within the past year and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Civil War. (photos by Beth Melo)
On Memorial Day, Southborough residents honored the town’s veterans, especially those lost in battle. The event concluded with a surprise for the VFW Commander who led the ceremonies. Steve Whynot was honored for his service to the country and long commitment Southborough’s veterans.
Traditionally, the Memorial Day event consists of a parade to two cemeteries and two memorials, with honors paid at each spot. Due to the weather forecast, the event was reorganized to take place indoors. (Whynot, who has been involved for years, noted that this was the first time in his memory.)
Whynot led the ceremony, assisted by American Legion Post Commander Dan Kolenda. It included most of the traditional elements. As always, special recognition was given to the 13 residents who were Killed in Action.
Speeches focused on the importance of Memorial Day and honoring service members, an invocation (by St. Mathew’s Church’s Father Flynn), the naming of veterans laid to rest in Southborough over the past year, and remarks honoring all who served and recognizing those who long ago gave their lives in battle. A Trottier Middle School 6th grader (Story Holtshlag) read the Gettysburg Address. Veteran John Minucci, one of seven brothers who all served in past wars, recited the poem Flanders Field. And Andrew Dennington spoke on behalf of the Select Board.
Standing throughout the ceremony were a contingent of veterans in uniform, town scouts, and the Southborough Fire Department’s Color Guard.
Given the indoor venue, there were some program tweaks this year.
The Trottier Band didn’t participate. (Frankly, I don’t think the members and their famlies could have fit in the Senior Center’s hall which was full without them.) And activities that are repeated at each stopping place only took place once (e.g., the color guard flag ceremony and playing of Taps). Plus, unsurprisingly, there were no gun salutes in the hall.
But the trio of Algonquin singers who perform patriotic songs towards the end of the ceremonies were also able to entertain prior to the start, and led the National Anthem early on.
In his prepared remarks, Whynot again reminded community members that Memorial Day isn’t meant to be about sales and celebrating the kickoff of summer. He urged recognizing that the BBQs and other fun that residents would be able to enjoy later in the day is thanks to the service and sacrifice of veterans and service members.
When Whynot tried to close the event, Kolenda surprised him by informing him there was one more thing.
Minucci returned to the stage and happily turned the tables on the man who has so often paid tribute to veterans and community members for their support. The Commander became visibly emotional as Minucci explained that he was presenting a certificate from Southborough’s American Legion Post 161 to Whynot in honor of his “Distinguished Service”.
Minucci read from the certificate:
In profound gratitude and sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication, patriotic spirit, and outstanding leadership in service to our veterans, our community, and nation. A proud veteran of 4 years active duty in the United States Navy, 13 years in the United States Coast Guard Reserves and 7 years in the United States Navy Reserves. You retired as an E-6 Petty Officer First Class. You have continued your lifelong commitment to country through your tireless efforts in persevering and honoring the memory of those who sacrificed for the freedom we cherish.
Through your leadership and devotion all these many years, you have faithfully organized and inspired our town’s annual Memorial Day observances and Veteran’s Day commemorations. Your thoughtful planning of memorial dedications has inspired the legacy of our servicemen and women who are remembered with dignity and honor.
With deepest respect and honor, we Veteran brothers proudly present this citation in recognition of your extraordinary service to veterans, community, and country.
Presented this Memorial Day Monday May 25, 2026
In an off-the-cuff thank you speech, Whynot remembered when he happened across veterans gathering to march in the Town parade many years ago. He rushed home to change into his uniform, then stood with onlookers on the streetside. As the parade passed, a veteran convinced him to march with them. (And it sounds like he’s been with them, pretty much, ever since.)
Updated (5/26/26 1:25 pm): I added more detail about the Certificate of Appreciation and the name of the student who read the Gettysburg address.
