Milton Observes Memorial Day with Honor, Gratitude and Respect

Under clear blue skies and with the morning sun gleaming down on the Town Green, the community of Milton came out appropriately clad in patriotic red, white and blue, to honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The ceremony began promptly at 9: 30 a.m. with the placing of the wreath at the War Memorial followed by the Raising of the Flag as the Milton High School Marching Band under the direction of Mr. Gary Good played the National Anthem.

The march along Canton Ave brought together members of the Milton Select Board, elected officials, high school band, scout troops and more.

Fr. Eric Bennett Pastor of the St. Mary of the Hills/St. Elizabeth's Collaborative led the invocation and Kevin J. Cook of Veterans Services of Milton and Randolph introduced Pierce 8th Grader Hokulani Paniero-Langer, this year's Project 351 Ambassador. Every year in every town the ambassador has the honor of being the Governor's representative to read the proclamation. This year in honor of the 100th Anniversary Hokulani was presented with a commemorative pin.

The Milton High School's salute to the Armed Forces is always a powerful and poignant addition to this program.

Milton High student Aidan Guilderson eloquently read the Recitation of General Logan's Orders followed by the Chair of the Milton Select Board Mike Zullas. Mr. Zullas urged everyone " remember the heroes, remember the stories, he said, we must remember the heroes of our past who make our present."

Mr. Kevin J.Cook introduced the Keynote speaker. 100 yr old Milton Resident Natalie Fultz WW2/Korea, US Navy Wave Veteran who expressed her gratitude at being asked and who proudly shared it was an honor and privilege for her to wear the uniform and in a kind gesture asked that a moment of silence be observed in honor of all the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Ms. Fultz went on to urge everyone to do more , asking " what more can be done to honor the memory of those lost , long after the flags of Memorial Day are taken down?" as she said a final thank you, guests who were seated rose to their feet for a fitting standing ovation for our honorable Keynote Speaker and Veteran.

Past Commander Dr. Edward Thomas led the Placement of Wreaths before the Roll Call read by Kevin J Cook. Milton High Junior, Lemuel Marc played the distinctive bugle melody Taps followed by a special song titled " In Remembrance" by the Milton High School Band and Mixed Chorus.

Co-chair of Veteran Affairs across the Commonwealth State Senator Walter F. Timilty graciously thanked all in attendance and in a special way Keynote Speaker Ms. Fultz gracing her with a special Citation in her honor.

The MHS Marching Band ended the ceremony with God Bless America right after Fr. Bennett's closing prayer , praying for all the Gold-Star families, service men and women.