Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Memorial Day ceremonies start early Monday at Evergreen Cemetery

Members of Old Guard New England prepare for a gun salute. FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Veterans Celebration Committee chair Mike Whalen spent Thursday afternoon with volunteers at town cemeteries preparing veterans’ graves for Memorial Day.

“Veterans, with the aid of local Scouts, flagged the cemeteries,” said Whalen. This, he explained, was the first event to kick off a weekend of remembering and paying tribute to military members who died while in service. Everything culminates with Monday’s ceremonies, which begin bright and early at Evergreen Cemetery.

Residents, town officials and veterans will gather at 9:45 a.m. Monday for the start of the ceremonies. The morning will feature a gun salute by Old Guard New England, a recitation of the Gettysburg Address, laying of wreaths by American Legion veterans and the Scouts, and visits to St. John and Mt. Auburn cemeteries. Whalen noted that the Hopkinton High School band will contribute buglers to play taps at each stop.

“[The kids] take it very seriously,” he said, commending the students for their skills.

“It’s rewarding to see younger generations be involved in this day,” Whalen added.

The final event of the day is a ceremony at the Town Common at 11:15 a.m. A representative from the Select Board and an active duty United States Air Force member will give speeches, and the HHS band will play. Scott Mackin will end the ceremony by raising the American flag as the band plays the national anthem.

St. John the Evangelist Parish will hold a lunch after the final ceremony for all members of the public.

Whalen credited the other members of the Veterans Celebration Committee for their hard work in putting together Monday’s events. “[The committee] almost seems to not even need any leadership for this event,” he said. “Everybody contributes in their own way.”

He also thanked the Select Board for picking out “some really good candidates” for the committee.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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Photo of the Day

Miniature military statues outside the Senior Center are adorned with American flags.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR