By Dakota Antelman, Contributing Writer
Westborough – Nelson Ball, a veteran of the Korean Conflict, led a caravan of Westborough politicians, community figures, veterans and residents alike in a somber tour of the town’s cemeteries and war landmarks May 27 to honor town servicemen and women on this year’s Memorial Day. Culminating outside of the Forbes Municipal Building, the morning’s ceremonies drew several hundred attendees.
Running throughout the morning, the events featured a series of flag raisings, rifle fire salutes, renditions of the national anthem and comments from selectmen and Westborough’s state representatives alike among other activities.
Bussing parade participants between stops, organizers graced four locations including St Luke’s, Pine Grove, and Midland Cemeteries, as well as the Forbes Building with ceremonies.
“Our way of life has been shaped and made possible by those who have served, and by those who we have lost,” said parade master of ceremonies Patrick Tracey of the events and their mission. “On this unofficial start of summer, we ask that you take a moment to remember those sacrifices.”
Organizers did just that in naming Ball their grand marshal.
A veteran of the Army’s Counter Espionage Section who served in Seoul during the Korean Conflict, Ball conducted interrogations as part of his duties to protect fellow troops through information gathering. Back home, Ball continued his service to his community, volunteering through the Westborough Music Parents Association and the First United Methodist Church and serving as the president of the Rotary Club of Westborough.
As he finally took the microphone at the final ceremony of the day, however, Ball spoke little of that experience, and instead turned his praise back on the community dressed in red, white and blue before him.
“I can’t think of a better place to celebrate Memorial Day then right here,” he said. “I am so proud of our town.”
photos/Dakota Antelman
