By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Northborough – On May 25, the Memorial Day parade made stops for ceremonies at four monuments in downtown Northborough. This year, speakers paid tribute to U.S. Army Spc. Brian K. Arsenault of Northborough. The Bronze Star recipient and 2004 Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) graduate was killed in action at age 28 last September in Ghazni, Afghanistan.
Among the speakers at the Veterans Memorial in the Howard Street Cemetery was his father, Daniel W. Arsenault. He read a letter the family received from his son’s friend who attended Army training with him. The friend described Brian as “the most special person I ever met.”
Other speakers included U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-2nd District; state Reps. Danielle Gregoire, D-Marlborough, and Harold Naughton Jr., D-Clinton; Selectman Jeff Amberson; and Adam Costello, director of Central Massachusetts Veterans’ Service District.
Parade participants included members of the American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234 and guest veterans, town and state officials, Scout troops, and the U.S. Marine Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough, led by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Randolph P. Mann. Music was provided by the ARHS Marching Band, led by Eric Vincent, and Chamber Choir directed by Kathrine Waters.
The final ceremony concluded with U.S. Marine Corps veteran George Boyle recognized as the Legionnaire of the Year.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.