Fifteen South Meadow School students helped decorate eight Peterborough cemeteries on May 19 under the leadership of teachers Sean Driscoll and Ed Lowy.
Volunteers collected more than 850 American flags that had been placed on veterans’ graves last May and replaced them with new flags. The retired flags will be properly disposed of on Flag Day, June 14.
At each cemetery, eighth-graders Greta Bielagus, Brooklynn Sipe and Ella Walsh played taps while students stood quietly with their hands over their hearts.
Also assisting were Christine McCall, Wayne Thomas and Dee Thomas. Student Transportation of America donated the bus, which was driven by Danielle Courtemanche of Peterborough.
Pictured are Jackson Berube, Brony Budzik, Colby Jusseaume, Oliver Dooley, Clayton Foecking, Annika Jackson, Bailey Judkins-Howard, Gunnar Kimball, Eloise Koch, Jack Luxmoore, Max Michaud, Kara Sisco, Ella Walsh, Brooklynn Sipe, and Greta Bielagus. Adults are Sean Driscoll, Ed Lowy, Christine McCall, Wayne Thomas and Daielle Courtemanche.
Veterans marched to the town common in Rindge on Monday as part of Memorial Day celebrations. Credit: JUDY UNGER CLARK / CourtesyWreaths are placed at the war memorials in Rindge as part of Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday. Credit: JUDY UNGER CLARK / CourtesyWreaths are placed at the war memorials in Rindge as part of Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday. Credit: JUDY UNGER CLARK / CourtesyRindge veterans march in the Rindge parade on Monday. Credit: JUDY UNGER CLARK / CourtesyVeterans Pat Martin and Jim Leger of Rindge at the Rindge Memorial Day parade on Monday. Credit: JUDY UNGER CLARK / CourtesyVeterans from the Bennington VFW performed the annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 25. Credit: CourtesyGreenfield’s to memorial Army Corporal Brandon Garabant, who died June 20, 2014 in Afghanistan at the age of 19. Credit: JESSECA TIMMONS/Ledger-TranscriptThe American Legion Post 50 Color Guard lines up at Stephenson Memorial Library in Greenfield. Credit: JESSECA TIMMONS/Ledger-TranscriptAntrim veterans observed Memorial Day at the town’s cemeteries. Credit: CourtesyReverend Daniel Osgood reads a prayer at Greenfield’s Memorial Day observance. Credit: JESSECA TIMMONS/Ledger-TranscriptThe Color Guard prepares to fire. Credit: JESSECA TIMMONS/LEDGER-TranscriptGreenfield residents turned out in the rain to observe Memorial Day 2026. Credit: JESSECA TIMMONS/Leger-TransriptVeterans observe a moment of silence. Credit: JESSECA TIMMONS/Ledger-Transcript
Communities across the Monadnock region marked Memorial Day on Monday with parades, ceremonies and gatherings honoring the nation’s fallen service members, despite rainy weather in several towns.
Memorial Day observances hosted by the Brown-Knight Memorial VFW Post 8268 in Bennington and the American Legion Myers-Prescott-Olson Post 50 in Antrim continued despite heavy rain that forced the cancellation of Antrim’s traditional parade.
Veterans and community members gathered for ceremonies at the Antrim monument and Memorial Park, with additional observances held at cemeteries and memorial sites in Antrim and Bennington. Improving weather later allowed a small parade to proceed in Bennington, where residents lined the route in support of participating veterans and the holiday’s purpose.
Rindge held Memorial Day observances that included a parade to the town Common, a ceremony at the town’s war memorials and a community barbecue following the celebrations. Greenfield and Peterborough also hosted ceremonies and events honoring those who died in military service.
Organizers throughout the region thanked veterans, volunteers, first responders and community members for helping make the observances meaningful and respectful.
Director Jonny Trudeau conducts as the ConVal marching band plays God Bless America at the Peterborough Memorial Day ceremony. Credit: CourtesyLauren Martin of Peterborough takes a turn reading some of the names of 97 Peterborough residents who died while in military service. A bell was rung for the name of each serviceperson. Credit: DAN MILLBAUERConVal band percussion section leader Megan Millbauer takes a break between performances in Peterborough and Dublin. Credit: DAN MILLBAUERThe ConVal High School marching band playing at Dublin Memorial Church. Credit: DAN MILLBAUERLauren Martin and the American Heritage Girls led the audience in singing “America the Beautiful.” Credit: Courtesy
Ryann Brooks is the Ledger-Transcript editor. She was the 2023 Kansas Press Association Journalist of the Year. You can contact her at rbrooks@ledgertranscript.com.
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