Gardner City honors fallen service members in Memorial Day ceremony
May 25, 2026 | Gardner City, Worcester County, Massachusetts
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Stephanie Marchetti, executive director of the Monachusett Veterans Outreach Center, opened Gardner City's Memorial Day ceremony on Saturday, thanking volunteers and city staff after organizers pivoted indoors when the parade was canceled.
State Rep. John Slotnick recalled local Revolutionary War ties and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Michael Nicholson and City Council President George Tyros each thanked organizers and reflected on the community's history of military service.
Envy LeBlanc, a Gardner High School senior, read the Gettysburg Address. Musical tributes included the Gardner Middle School band and the Gardner High School band performing the marches of the armed forces.
The program also included a flag-folding demonstration by a Boy Scouts troop, the placing of poppies led by Steve Wendell, a rifle salute by VFW Post 904 and a benediction from Paul LeBlanc.
"We did have a lovely parade planned for this morning, but I'm very glad you guys all joined us here in the auditorium," Marchetti said as she opened the program. Mayor Nicholson tied the local observance to broader service, saying the city carries forward the lessons of sacrifice "from Green street to Gettysburg, Nicholl street to Normandy."
The ceremony concluded with final thanks, a drum corps performance as attendees filed out, and an invitation to the community to continue honoring veterans throughout the day.
State Rep. John Slotnick recalled local Revolutionary War ties and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Michael Nicholson and City Council President George Tyros each thanked organizers and reflected on the community's history of military service.
Envy LeBlanc, a Gardner High School senior, read the Gettysburg Address. Musical tributes included the Gardner Middle School band and the Gardner High School band performing the marches of the armed forces.
The program also included a flag-folding demonstration by a Boy Scouts troop, the placing of poppies led by Steve Wendell, a rifle salute by VFW Post 904 and a benediction from Paul LeBlanc.
"We did have a lovely parade planned for this morning, but I'm very glad you guys all joined us here in the auditorium," Marchetti said as she opened the program. Mayor Nicholson tied the local observance to broader service, saying the city carries forward the lessons of sacrifice "from Green street to Gettysburg, Nicholl street to Normandy."
The ceremony concluded with final thanks, a drum corps performance as attendees filed out, and an invitation to the community to continue honoring veterans throughout the day.
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