Lynn vets, city officials, spectators embrace Memorial Day Parade

LYNN – Everyone loves a parade, including 89-year-old U.S. Navy veteran Ray Babineau, who traveled in style in a 1969 yellow Road Runner along the Memorial Day parade route.?I feel pretty good about being a part of the parade, and proud, but I also feel solemn,” he said.As Babineau began his ride, he flashed a smile at parade spectators, who braved the hot and hazy summer-like conditions. Some onlookers sat in lawn chairs and waved American flags, while others leaned out of apartment windows to catch a glimpse as the sound of the marching bands? drums beat in tune with their hearts.?This is a great way to remember those that have given their lives so that we can enjoy our freedom,” said Peter Capano, Lynn City Councilor, Chairman of the Veterans Committee and U.S. Army veteran.Capano joined Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy and various other city officials as they marched in the parade, which kicked off at 1:30 p.m. from the parking lot of North Shore Community College on Washington Street.The parade proceeded to Broad Street, Market Street, City Hall Square, North Common Street, Park Street and Boston Street, ending in front of Pine Grove Cemetery.During all of the hubbub, Anita Munoz of Lynn found herself stuck in the middle of the route and decided to make the best of it.?I like parades and have a lot of respect for veterans, so I don?t mind being stuck,” she quipped while sitting on the hood of her car. “My father was a veteran of the Korean war and recently died in a veterans hospital, so it makes me a little sad to watch the parade, but it?s really nice.”Fresh off of four years served as a Marine, Manuel Alcantara of Lynn spent the day with his father, Manuel, remembering those who have served before him.?It?s nice to reflect on everything that has happened,” he said.Joe Bourgeois acted as the parade?s chief marshal, who was honored at Veteran?s Memorial Auditorium on May 24. A U.S. Army retiree, Bourgeois is a member of the Franco American War Veterans, Post 12, and is also a Gold Star Family member, having lost his grandson, Matthew Stanley in Iraq.