By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson – The highlight of this year’s Memorial Day observance May 25 was the unveiling of a bronze plaque memorializing U. S. Marine Corps Capt. Seth R. Michaud on the rebuilt Houghton Street bridge. Michaud was a helicopter pilot who was killed by friendly fire in Africa at age 27 in 2003, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
His father, Fran Michaud, spoke on behalf of the family. He shared that his son grew up playing with Hudson Youth Soccer Association, attended St. Michael School and was named an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Hudson High School in 1994, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy.
Michaud family members and friends were joined by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, state Rep. Kate Hogan, D-Stow, Veterans Agent Brian Stearns, Selectmen Chair Fred Lucy, and Selectmen Joe Durant and Jim Quinn. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren was represented by her regional director Jeremiah Thompson.
The dedication included a drill performed by cadets of the U.S. Marine Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough, led by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Randolph P. Mann. The Hudson High School Band, directed by Jason Caron, concluded the dedication by playing “The Marines’ Hymn.”
The parade continued onto Main Street featuring representatives from the town’s veterans’ organizations, Hudson Police Department Color Guard, Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge 959 and Scout troops. A ceremony followed at Liberty Park with wreath layings and keynote speaker U.S. Army Capt. Kristen Walls.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.