Around Town

Historical Society of Watertown Offering Historic American Legion Artifacts to the Public

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The following announcement was provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:

Three or more decades ago, when American Legion Post 99 closed, the Historical Society of Watertown acquired a quantity of their documents and artifacts. It is a sad fact that small museums, such as ours, have limited space for proper storage and now that we are slowly cataloging our accumulated collection, it has become clear that while it is appropriate that we keep some of these items, we lack the room to house them all. The next step in cases like this is to offer the items to another appropriate party or organization. Last month, we donated a photo from 1930 to the Shutt Detachment, Marine Corp League, depicting the dedication of the WWI memorial stone out in front of their building at 215 Mt. Auburn St., which was occupied by the American Legion Post 99 at that time.

Around Town

Memorial Day Speaker Says it is Critical to Remember the Sacrifices of Veterans & for All Citizens to Participate in Decisions of War & Peace

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Watertown veterans presented the colors during the 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

After a parade featuring youth sports teams, bands, the Watertown Police and Fire Department, and many more, a newish Watertown resident who devoted his career to military service and military intelligence spoke about the importance of Memorial Day and what all citizens can do to preserve the memories of those who died serving their country. This year, the keynote speaker at Watertown’s Memorial Day Ceremony, held Monday at Victory Field, was Ret. Col. J.D. Williams, who served in the Marine Corps from 1978-2004 as an intelligence officer.

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Historic Photo Presented to Watertown Veterans Group is a Reminder of a Tradition of Service

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George McMasters, Commandant of the Marine Corps League Shutt Detachment holds the historic photo of the memorial outside the Post. He and Ed Aucoin, right, were presented the photo by Joyce Kelly of the Historical Society of Watertown. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Two of the leaders of Watertown’s veteran groups recently reflected on the sacrifices made by members of the military from town when they were presented a photo of the dedication of a memorial to Watertown servicemen who died in First World War. The memorial still sits outside the Marine Corps League Charles Shutt Detachment on Mt. Auburn Street.

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Veterans Agent Looks to Spread Word About Programs Available to Former Member of the Armed Services

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Watertown Veterans Services Officer Patrick George reads Gov. Healey’s Veterans Day Proclamation at the Veterans Day Breakfast at the Shutt Detachment. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown veterans came together Monday at the Marine Corps League Shutt Detachment to enjoy some breakfast, socialize, and celebrate Veterans Day. Watertown Veterans Services Officer Patrick George hopes to have more such events in town, and spread information about programs and benefits which are available to vets. Massachusetts recently added to the programs for veterans, George mentioned during his Veterans Day address. “As the Governor’s (Veterans Day) proclamation mentioned, The HERO Act is a new veterans bill passed by the state recently, and it expands veterans benefits,” George said.

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See Photos from the 2024 Watertown Memorial Day Parade

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Watertown veterans marched in the 2024 Memorial Day Parade. (Photo by Natalie Nigito Photography)

Watertown veterans were joined by youth sports teams, scouts, the Watertown Police officers and Firefighters, bands and more during the 2024 Memorial Day Parade. The event ended with a ceremony at Victory Field that included the unveiling of a new tribute to veterans. Following the parade, a ceremony was held at Victory Field which included the unveiling of a chair honoring prisoner of war and missing in action. The POW-MIA Chair of Honor represent those service members who are unable to fill them because of their sacrifices, as well as reminding people of the men and women who serve our country every day.

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Descendants of Soldier Killed in Italy During World War II Gather for Dedication of Hero Square

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A hero square in memory of Pvt. Vincent Ranucci, who was killed in World War II, was dedicated down the street from the home on Nichols Avenue where he grew up. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Dozens of descendants of a decorated World War II veteran gathered Monday on the East Watertown street where his childhood home is located to remember him and dedicate a hero square in his name. Vincent Ranucci grew up in a three-family home at 7 Nichols Ave. as the oldest of nine children.

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Square to be Dedicated to Veteran Killed in WWII as Part of Watertown’s Memorial Day Week

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Along with the traditional Memorial Day Parade, Watertown will have some special events in 2024, including the dedication of a Hero Square and the celebration of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1105’s 100th anniversary. Hero Square

On Monday, May 20 at 2 p.m., the intersection of Bigelow and Nichols avenues will be dedicated to Vincent Ranucci, who was Killed in Action during World War II. Ranucci attended the Watertown schools and joined the U.S. Army in June of 1942. He was deployed in the European Theatre. On February 2, 1944 he was awarded the Purple Heart for the wounds received in action resulting in his death.

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LETTER: A Salute to a Local Vet on Vietnam War Veterans Day

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Dear Watertown Residents,

Today, March 29, is Vietnam War Veterans Day. I was informed of this by Tony Kelley last night at the Watertown Town Democratic Committee meeting. Tony is a veteran of the war and luckily came home to build a career and family in Watertown. As a teacher and volunteer for several causes, he has done right by this community in so many ways and continues to do so in his retirement. Bravo! His ask was that people say “Welcome Home” if they see a Vietnam Veteran today. Many have never heard that expression to this day. As the granddaughter of a Russian POW, forced into conscription by the fascist Italian government of WWII, I know from my mother what my grandfather experienced upon his return to “normal” life.