2025 Honorary Memorial Day Parade Marshals
NORTH READING — The North Reading Minit and Militia have selected Patricia and Paul Fillmore as Honorary Marshals for the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26 at 11:15 a.m. The traditional ceremonies on the common will begin at 10 a.m., including speeches, reading of the honor roll, musket volleys, and music provided by the award-winning NRHS Marching Band.
The Fillmores have been beloved residents of North Reading for over 49 years and have long been active participants in the life of the community. Their spirit of volunteerism and commitment to civic engagement has left a lasting impression on countless neighbors, friends, and local organizations.
Paul, a United States Air Force veteran, served his country with honor during the Vietnam War era from 1968 to 1976. A 1967 graduate of Malden High School, he went on to build a successful career in machinery mechanics after completing his military service. Known for his quiet strength, Paul has dedicated his time to local initiatives and civic groups. He coached Little League baseball during his children’s youth and has remained a steady figure in town life.
Patricia, a 1970 graduate of North Reading High School, was raised in town from the age of 2 by her parents John and Alice Rush. Patricia returned home in 1976 after Paul’s retirement from the service. She worked as a beloved paraprofessional and guidance secretary at North Reading Middle School, where she made a lasting impact on generations of students from 1985 to 2007.
After retirement, she continued to substitute until 2019. Patricia has also coached youth softball – mentoring not only her children but her grandchildren as well.
As a longtime advocate, Patricia has been deeply involved in community programming, church events, and town initiatives. She is celebrated for her warmth, kindness, tremendous cooking and her tireless efforts to bring people together. Her service to the community spans decades and a wide range of efforts. She is an active member of the North Reading Parks and Recreation Committee and the Friends of Parks and Recreation. She also supports the Veterans Committee and devotes time to senior and elder services, working with the local Senior Center and Mystic Valley Elder Services to provide lunches. Patricia has served in town elections since the age of 18 and currently holds the role of Warden for Precinct 1.
Throughout their 53 years of marriage, the Fillmores raised three children and now cherish the company of their grandchildren, whose love and laughter continue to bring them joy. Throughout the years, they’ve remained steadfast pillars of their community. While Paul’s service as a U.S. Air Force veteran and his dedication to his family have always been at the heart of his life, Patricia’s lifelong commitment to her family and volunteering has shaped many of North Reading’s programs and initiatives.
Through their shared experiences, both have played an essential role in shaping the town they love. Their decades of love for North Reading make them the perfect choice to lead this year’s Memorial Day Parade with pride and honor.
PARADE REMINDERS
The parade will be preceded by the annual Memorial Day Ceremony which begins at 10 a.m. on the North Reading Common. An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be present this year during the ceremony.
Calling all veterans! The town’s VSO, TJ Tedeschi, invites all veterans to attend the ceremony and march in the parade. Vintage cars will be available for those veterans unable to march the entire parade route. “We need you to take part in our Memorial Day Parade,” Tedeschi said.
All marching units will form up on Bow Street and be organized by John Watson.
Youth Bicycling Decorating Contest
Judging in the Youth Bicycle Decorating Contest will be held at 9:45 a.m. sharp, in front of the Senior Center, prior to the beginning of the parade. Town Moderator John Murphy serves as the judge of this contest. All decorated bike contestants will then be invited to ride their bikes in the parade.
Honoring North Reading’s heroes
In advance of Memorial Day, the North Reading Veterans Department is seeking the assistance of community members of all ages to help them plant 500 U.S. flags on the Town Common next Thursday, May 22 at 3 p.m. in honor of the town’s heroes.
This is an “all hands on deck” effort. Simply meet by the Great Oak tree on the common and pitch in!
Honoring deceased veterans
Traditional early morning Memorial Day services at the town’s cemeteries will be held on Monday, May 26 to which the public is invited. Services begin at Riverside Cemetery on Elm Street at 7 a.m., then proceed to Harmony Vale Cemetery on Chestnut Street at 7:45 a.m. Services will resume at the Ipswich River Park Blue Star Memorial at 8:45 a.m. and close with services at the Park Street Cemetery at 9 a.m.
The public is cordially invited to attend these services which honor our veterans who served our country.
Refreshments will be served in the Senior Center on the Common at the conclusion of all activities for participants in the services and parade.