PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Robert Leroe sits atop a Tank during the Saugus Memorial day ceremony at Riverside Cemetery.
BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE
SAUGUS — The Saugus Veterans Council led a series of events to recognize the town’s fallen heroes on Saturday.
A Memorial Day Parade comprised of veterans and residents marched through the town to the veteran’s portion of Riverside Cemetery. Once at the cemetery, participants manned each veteran grave marker, and saluted the heroes.
Each veteran grave site was adorned with an American flag by a group of volunteers, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts Friday. About 2,100 flags were distributed.
Parade-goers then observed a 21-gun salute.
Steve Castinetti, commander of the veteran’s council led the ceremonies.
Events continued with a World War II reenactment held on the front lawn of Town Hall, performed by David Savoie and his team.
“My Brother Julien comes in from Florida every year,” Savoie said. “My Dad was a World War II veteran. He was an Army medic.”
Several items were also on display beneath tents at Town Hall.
Military vehicles arrived for viewing, including a World War II Jeep.
Paul Allan, executive officer of the veteran’s council, said this year, they are trying to recognize as many World War II veterans as possible.
“That was the greatest generation,” Allan said.
The veteran’s council organizes parades and ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day as well as annual ceremonies for POW/MIA, and Flag Day. The events are paid for through fundraising efforts, Allan said.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte
