Novel Dunia

Prior to Memorial Day, veterans, students and volunteers place flags on gravesites throughout the cemeteries in Fitchburg. On Monday morning, prior to the Memorial Day program, veteran organizations go to cemeteries to perform a small ceremony and place wreaths on monuments. This showing of respect to deceased veterans started after the Civil War when widows walked cemeteries honoring the deceased veterans.

On Sunday, May 24 at 10:30 a.m., the annual Memorial Mass for deceased veterans will be at St. Anthony di Padua Church, 84 Salem Street, followed by a dedication and wreath placing at the World War II monument. Refreshments to follow.

Later that day, at 6 p.m., the annual White Cross Service will be held at Monument Park. Put on by the AMVETS Post 29, this service is for all veterans whose bodies have not been returned for burial in the City of Fitchburg cemeteries.

A Memorial Day parade will be held on Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. Veterans should line up at the Fitchburg M.E. Federal Credit Union, 65 North St. Parade will proceed up Main Street, to the Upper Common. A Memorial Day program will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Upper Common gazebo, featuring the FHS band, and many guest speakers, including veterans and city and state leaders.