Support Your Local Veterans This Spring

Melrose is home to many great veteran events in Spring 2013 to include Operation Thank You and a weeklong observation of Memorial Day.  Additionally, we are helping to raise awareness for events dedicated to veterans to include the Melrose Symphony Orchestra (MSO).

The following is a list of events we are supporting and inviting to public to attend:

Operation Thank You Liberty Bell Roast Beef & Seafood Fundraiser

 February 27th, 2013: 886 Main Street, Melrose MA, 5-8 p.m.

The dedicated Melrose middle school students sponsoring Operation Thank You are hosting an evening event to raise money for Operation Thank You.  This event, scheduled for Mother’s Day Weekend 2013, aims to send a group of Vietnam veterans free of charge to the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC.  Come to the Liberty Bell and have your meal’s proceeds help a local veteran!

Melrose Symphony Orchestra Milano Memorial Concert

March 2nd, 2013: Memorial Hall – 7:15 p.m., 590 Main Street, Melrose

The MSO is honoring former mayor and WWII veteran James E. Milano with a concert highlighting symphonic music with piano and organ.  Mayor Milano, a lifelong pianist and organist, often performed on the 1919 pipe organ in Memorial Hall, which will be featured in Saint-Saens masterpiece, the Organ Symphony.  Additionally, the MSO is offering discounted tickets for all veterans ($10).  Interested veterans can call 781-979-4186 or visit the Web site: http://www.melrosesymphony.org/concerts/12-13_season/milano_memorial_concert.html

Operation Thank You

May 10-12, 2013: Washington DC, Various Locations

Operation Thank You is trip to Washington DC honoring our Melrosian Vietnam Veteran population on the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War.  Our veterans will tour the historic monuments of Washington DC culminating with an event at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.  All first-time veterans will travel free of charge through fundraising by the Operation Thank You group at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School in conjunction with Melrose Veteran Services and the Melrose Veterans Advisory Board.  We are still looking for more veteran applicants.  Call 781-979-4186 to sign up for this important trip.

Decoration of the Graves

May 25th, 2013: Wyoming Cemetery – 10 a.m., Sylvan Street, Melrose MA

Annually, we honor our fallen veterans by replacing their U.S. Flag grave markers and retiring the replaced flags in a ceremony.  The public is invited to join this moving tradition and help local youth organizations like the Boys, Girls and Cub Scouts as they try and keep our promise to never forget our veteran’s sacrifice.

Memorial Day Parade

May 26th, 2013, Main Street, Melrose – 1:30 p.m.

Continue the tradition of honoring our fallen heroes with a parade on their honor running from City Hall to Wyoming Cemetery.  The day also includes a veteran breakfast at Memorial Hall (10 a.m.), a tour of the city’s veteran monuments with a special tribute at each beginning at 10 a.m. and a religious observance at Memorial Hall at noon.  The public is invited to every event.  Community groups are encouraged visit the parade Web site.  The online form allows you to sign up for Parade participation online. http://www.cityofmelrose.org/MemorialDayParade.cfm