For the first time in two years, following the COVID-19 pandemic the City of Malden kicked off Memorial Day with its traditional parade. Veterans Services Director Kevin Jarvis, Mayor Gary Christenson, and members of the City Council and School Committee convened on City Hall Plaza.
The Parade lifted off at 10 AM in front of City Hall, proceeded to Florence Street, marched onto Main Street ending at Forest Dale Cemetery. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, High School and Middle School Bands, and many others participated. There was a ceremony at the site of the newly installed Korean War and Vietnam War Memorials at Forest Dale Cemetery which began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Boy and Girl Scouts. The National Anthem was sung by Malden opera singer Natalia Sticco. Remarks were offered by Kevin Jarvis, Mayor Gary Christenson, and City Councillor-At-Large Craig Spadafora. The Grand Marshal of the Parade, Emery Haskell, U.S. Navy Commander Ret., graduate of Malden High School Class of 1972 and current Malden Fire Department Commissioner also offered poignant remarks.
In his remarks Mayor Christenson announced the unveiling of the renderings of two bronze statues honoring veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. The statues are currently on order and are expected to be installed by Veterans Day 2022. Following the service at Forest Dale Cemetery, the parade wound its way back to the corner of Ferry, Salem and Main, where there was a brief pause as a wreath was laid at the WWI and WWII Memorials in honor of Malden High School students who served in those wars. The parade concluded at City Hall Plaza where the Grand Marshal was treated to music by all who participated in the Parade.
Mayor Christenson and Veterans Services Director Kevin Jarvis then met members of the American Legion for a Memorial Day Ceremony at Bell Rock Memorial Park.
Pictured: Members of the Police and Fire Departments including (fourth from left) Fire Chief Bill Sullivan, Grand Marshal Emery Haskell, Mayor Christenson and State Representative Paul Donato (far right)