WAKEFIELD — The public is invited to attend the town of Wakefield’s Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 1 p.m. This outdoor ceremony is on the Veterans Memorial (Upper) Common in front of the World War II Memorial.
The theme for this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony is “Valor.”
The keynote speaker is Brigadier General Leonid Kondratiuk (Ret). Brigadier General Kondratiuk served in the National Guard and was on active duty for nearly 30 years. He worked as a military historian with the US Army Center for Military History, the National Guard Bureau, and the US Army War College. He served as a member of the Department of Defense 50th Anniversary of World War II Committee.
General Kondratiuk is assigned to The Massachusetts Adjutant General’s Office as Director, Veterans Affairs.
He is the National Commander of the 26th Infantry Division Veterans Association.
The Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity will be presented to four Gold Star Wives: Mrs. Mildred “Millie” Cooper; Mrs. Elaine Caruso; Mrs. Jeanne Hue; and Mrs. Diane Oxford.
A member of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea is presenting the Ambassador for Peace Medal to James MacKay, the son of Sergeant Billie MacKay, who served in the United States Marne Corps in Korea in 1951 to 1952.
Residents can learn more about veteran benefit programs and services by contacting the Wakefield’s Veteran Services Officer, David Mangan 781-246-6377.