Mass. town cancels parade, citing aging veterans
May 26, 2013, 11:56 PM
BEVERLY, Mass. (AP) – Veterans in suburban Boston gathered in a park to mark Memorial Day this year rather than hold a parade because of failing health and dwindling numbers.
The city of Beverly called off its parade this year because so few veterans would be able to march. The parade has been a fixture in the town since the Civil War.
Jerry Guilebbe is the city’s Director of Veterans’ Services. He says it can be difficult for older vets to take part.
Vietnam veteran Ron Innocenti tells WBZ-TV he hates canceling because of the message it sends to current service members. But he does understand the reason.
World War II Navy veteran Bill McPherson tells NECN he’s upset about parade cancellation but “there aren’t that many of us left.”
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