Rocchetti named grand marshal
PUTNAM — The Town’s Memorial Day observance will step off at 10 am May 26 from Grove Street and conclude with a program at Rotary Park. In case of inclement weather, notification will be on WINY 1350 AM & 97.1 FM Radio.
The 2025 American Legion Poppy Queen is Paige Perry. The VFW Poppy Queen is Rilynne-Mae Sargent.
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Michael J. Rocchetti, Grand Marshal, served two tours of duty during the Iraq War. Rocchetti retired from the military service in 2010 and is the current commander of the Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13.
To accommodate older and disabled Veterans who wish to be in the parade, transportation will be available by contacting the VFW at
The Memorial Day observance ceremony will be led by Master of Ceremonies Lt. Commander U.S. Navy (retired) Roy Simmons. The keynote address will be given by Roger C. Franklin, U.S. Army Colonel (retired), a lifelong resident of Putnam. Rounding out the program are VFW Chaplin Tod Smith and American Legion Chaplin Pierre Desilets who will offer prayers to begin and end the program. Musical talent for the program is compliments of Putnam Middle School and Putnam High School Music departments.
After the ceremony, the VFW, American Legion, and Veterans Advisory Committee will host a free picnic in Rotary Park. Refreshments will include hot dogs, chips, cookies, and drinks for as long as they last.
Earlier in the week local Veterans will place American flags at the graves of Veterans interred in the St. Mary, Grove Street, Nancy Drive, Munyan Road, and Rt. 21 cemeteries. The flags will remain in place until Veterans Day in November.
The traditional wreath laying and military tributes at Putnam cemeteries, bridges and monuments will be conducted by a National Guard firing squad, plus officers and color guards from the American Legion and VFW, starting at 10:00 am on Sunday, May 25th.
The Putnam Police Department provides security and escort services for all Memorial Day observance activities.
Contact the VFW at
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