Charlie Breitrose
Members of the Watertown AmVets Post wave to the crowd during the Memorial Day Parade.
Watertown came out to salute its veterans and those who have been lost during the Memorial Day Parade on Monday. Despite threat of rain, residents lined Mount Auburn Street and Main Street for the annual event that featured veterans groups and Watertown Police and Fire departments. Youth sports teams, scouts, and local businesses also joined the procession.
Charlie Breitrose
Members of a Watertown Youth Softball team marches in the Memorial Day Parade.
Attendees were entertained by bands, military vehicles, horses and motorcycles. Riding in the Parade Grand Marshall car were Paul Menton, a World War II veteran who served served in the Marines in the Pacific and served on many town and other boards. He was joined by grandsons Watertown Police Officer Timothy Menton and Watertown Firefighter Patrick Menton.
Grand Marshalls and brothers Police Officer Timothy Menton, left, and Firefighter Patrick Menton. Patrick is holding a sign honoring Ryan Menton, another grandson, who is serving in Okinawa with the Marines.
Following the parade, a remembrance ceremony was held at Saltonstall Park. Watertown resident Timothy Harrington, a retired Marine, spoke to the crowd about the importance of Memorial Day and remembering veterans.
“When they joined the military they swore an oath against all enemies. They swore an oath to all of us. That’s why we should thank them,” Harrington said. “The families of those lost feel that loss, not just on Memorial Day but every day.”
Harrington, who grew up in Medfield, and moved to Watertown about a year-and-a-half ago, served for nine years in the Marines. He was a heavy machine gunner in a combined anti-armor team and had tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and also went on a mission to Liberia.
Charlie Breitrose
Watertown resident and retired Marine Timothy Harrington spoke at the Memorial Day Ceremony at Saltonstall Park.
Charlie Breitrose
Boys from Watertown Youth Lacrosse have some fun during the Watertown Memorial Day Parade.
Charlie Breitrose
Girls from the Venezia Dance Academy wave from the top of a truck.