Milton’s 2016 Memorial Day Observance to feature presentation of Milton Veterans Challenge Coin

Observance to take place Monday, May 30, 2016, Milton Town Green, 9:30 a.m.

Under the joint leadership of both Milton’s newly appointed Veterans Agent, Kevin Cook and Milton resident, Frank Stout of American Legion Post #114, details of Milton’s Memorial Day program are being finalized.

The Memorial Day Observance is scheduled for Monday, May 30th. Services are set to begin at the Town Green at 9:30 a.m. with the raising of the flag and placement of wreaths at the Town’s War Memorial by members of the American Legion Post.

Shortly after this ceremony, Legion members, Milton Police and Fire Department Color Guards and auxiliary members of these two departments, elected officials, boy and girl scout troops, will proceed down Canton Avenue and Centre Street to Milton Cemetery accompanied by Milton High School’s band.

Services at the Cemetery will begin at 10:00 a.m. Welcoming remarks will be given by Paul McDonnell, Commander of the American Legion Post, a member of the Board of Selectmen and Cemetery Trustee, Joseph M. Reardon.

A special feature of this year’s observance will be the presentation of a Milton Veterans Challenge Coin to Milton’s World War II veterans. This coin has been newly commissioned by Milton’s Veteran’s Agent Kevin Cook and will be part of all future veterans’ observances. A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion (usually military) bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem. These coins have been part of military tradition since World War I.

This newly designed coin will be two sided with the Town of Milton’s seal on one side and the insignia of military branches on the other.

Any World War II veteran, who would like to receive a coin at the Memorial Day Observance, is asked to contact Kevin Cook at 617-898-4939.

Milton resident U.S. Army Major General Stan Genega (Ret.) will be this year’s keynote speaker. Major General Genega is a West Point graduate who served two tours in Vietnam and retired after 32 years of active service.

State Representative Walter F. Timilty will also offer remarks.

All residents, friends and family are warmly invited to the Memorial Day Observance which pays tribute to those men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

As has been the tradition these past few years, ice cream will be available for children attending the services at the cemetery.

2016 Memorial Day itinerary

The American Legion Post #114 will begin this year’s Memorial Day program with the raising of the flag and the placing of the wreath at 9:30 a.m. at the Town Hall.

Following this observance, participants will march to Milton Cemetery for the customary ceremony that will begin at 10 a.m.

Town Hall – 9:30 a.m.

1. Placing of the Wreath at the War Memorial – Legion Members
2. Raising of the Flag – Legion Members
3. MHS Band – National Anthem

Cemetery – 10 a.m.

1. Introduction – Frank Stout, Legion Member (introductory remarks and introduction of Special Guests and keynote speaker U.S. Army Major General Stan Genega (Ret.)
2. Greetings – Paul McDonnell, Commander of the American Legion Post #114. Joseph M. Reardon, Cemetery Trustee
3. Invocation – Reverend Stephen Zukas, Administrator, Saint Elizabeth Parish
4. Select Chorus & Band – Armed Forces Salute – Songs from all branches of the American Armed Forces (Select Chorus under the direction of Noreen Burdett and MHS band under the direction of both Rebecca Damiani and Gary Good)
5. Welcome – Kathleen M. Conlon, Chair, Board of Selectmen
6. In Flanders Fields – recited by Joanna M. Needham, MHS Junior
7. Band Selection – National Emblem
8. Introductory Remarks – Frank Stout, – Introduction to keynote speaker Major General Stan Genega (Ret.)
9. Keynote Speaker – U.S. Army Major General, Stan Genega (Ret.)
10. Coin Presentation by Veterans Agent (Kevin Cook) – WW II Veterans
11. Placing of Wreaths – Legion Member
12. Roll Call – Legion Member
13. Volley / Echo Taps – Legion Member / MHS Student
14. Flag Raising – National Anthem – MHS Mixed Chorus
15. Remarks – State Representative Walter F. Timilty
16. Benediction – Reverend John Allen, Pastor, First Congregational Church
17. Band Selection – MHS Band

Flag photography by Milton Resident Brian Maclean, madtyphotography.com