Memorial Day Exercises Set for Monday

Mayor Dan Rizzo is pleased to announce that this year’s Memorial Day Exercises will be held on Monday, May 26, 2014 at 11 a.m. on the lawn of the American Legion Building, 249 Broadway.

Guest Speaker for the ceremony will be Thomas Hill.

Hill has born and raised in Revere. He is a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School and has been a lifelong resident of Revere. Hill entered the U.S. Army on October 31, 1942 and discharged December 1945 serving in the Pacific with the 5th Army Air Corp as a High Speed Radio Operator. He was attached to Air Sea Rescue Group assisting in locating our pilots that ditched their aircraft after engaging with the enemy. He served in six major campaigns, the battle for the Philippines, New Guinea, Okinawa, Japan. Some of his decorations include the Philippine Liberation Medal, New Guinea Campaign Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After returning to Revere, he was very active in the American Legion, and was instrumental in organizing the numerous parades in Revere. After he was discharged, he married Florence Hennegan and raised three children:  James, Judith, and Thomas Jr. He served the City of Revere working in the Parks Department, Public Works, and a Firefighter. He and Florence started The Hill Insurance Agency in 1947 and he remains a very active part of our community today.

The Master of Ceremonies for the event will be Director of Veterans’ Services, Nicholas Bua. Bua is an Air Force veteran serving in France during the Vietnam era. He has been active in veteran affairs since 1980. Appointed to the V.A. Medical Center Advisory Board, he earned his 500-hour pin. Bua has served on many committees performing duties at both the Chelsea Soldiers Home and the V.A. in Jamaica Plain.

The ceremony will include laying of wreaths, musical selections, the playing of taps and a recitation of the names of Revere’s war dead from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved inside the American Legion Hall. Refreshments will be provided by the American Legion Post #61.