Central Mass. Armed Forces Day community event to take place in Shrewsbury

For the fifth year in a row, the communities of Grafton, Northborough, Westborough, and Shrewsbury are invited to participate in the Annual Armed Forces Day to honor active and retired military personnel.

Attendees will enjoy music, readings and a continental breakfast prepared by Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School Culinary Program students while listening remarks on the branches of the military.

This year’s event will feature guest speakers including Congressman Jim McGovern and Retired Brigadier General Paul Smith, Director of Veterans Affairs of the Massachusetts National Guard. Special remarks to be given by Jason Arigoni, Home Depot’s Regional Vice President, Bill Rodgers, Home Depot’s Live Goods Merchant and a United States Navy veteran, and Retired Colonel Jeff Perry, Home Depot’s Human Resources Manager regarding the company’s support to Veterans Inc. project in Shrewsbury.

The Westborough High School band, under the direction of Evan Doyle, will perform patriotic musical accompaniments. Shrewsbury High School graduate and University of New Hampshire student Carly O’Brien will perform the National Anthem and God Bless America. The Grafton Job Corp Color Guard will post the flags.

Father Michael Rose of Saint Mary’s Parish in Shrewsbury will offer a prayer.

The event is co-sponsored by the Central Massachusetts Veterans’ Service district representatives, including Shrewsbury’s Hannah Kane, Representative Carolyn Dykema (Holliston), Representative Danielle Gregoire (Marlborough), Representative David Muradian (Grafton), Representative Harold Naughton (Clinton), Senator Harriette Chandler (Worcester), Senator Jamie Eldridge (Acton) and Senator Michael Moore (Millbury).

The event is free and open to all residents who would like to take part in honoring those who serve. It will be held at SAC Park, 438 Lake Street, Shrewsbury, on Saturday, May 18th from 9 to 10:30 in the morning.