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Lowell commission plans Memorial Day events, cemetery flag placements and commemorations including Tuskegee Airmen and Vietnam Veterans Day
Summary
The Lowell Veterans Commission discussed Memorial Day logistics, cemetery flag placements, a Vietnam Veterans Day observance and a proposed Tuskegee Airmen commemoration, and called for volunteer support for multiple May events.
The Lowell Veterans Commission reviewed its calendar of upcoming commemorations and volunteer needs, including Memorial Day flag placements across multiple cemeteries, a Hometown Heroes presentation, a Tuskegee Airmen commemoration push, and a Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony.
Commissioners described an intensive Memorial Day schedule. Staff said flags would be placed across several cemeteries (West Lawn 1 and 2, Edson and others) with support from Lowell High School ROTC and other volunteers; dates noted included May 9 (West Lawn 1/2), May 16 (Edson Cemetery) and a May 20th in-person planning meeting at City Hall for final coordination. The commission discussed collecting volunteer names and working with partners such as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter and the Crescent House (a local partner providing shelter and services) to assist veterans in need.
On commemorations, commissioners reported progress on a request from Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated to recognize a April/May commemoration day in line with state-level bills; the commission said it had submitted a proclamation draft and was seeking city confirmation for a proposed March 27 event and other activities (displays, film screenings and a reception in the mayor’s office). An original Tuskegee Airman based in Boston had been contacted but was unavailable on the proposed date; the commission said it will pursue speaker appearances when scheduling permits.
The commission also announced a Vietnam Veterans Day observance on March 28 at City Hall with light refreshments and invited family members and the public to attend. Commissioners said they had requested media flyers and web postings and expected the city to publish final details.
On logistics and operations, staff reported increased flag counts this year (an additional 1,800 grave flags for a total discussed in the meeting) and relied on DPW cooperation and community volunteers for installation and later removal. The commission discussed flag drop boxes and respectful disposal methods used by local veterans’ groups and noted efforts to prevent flags from being discarded during routine cemetery cleanups.
Commissioners asked staff to circulate volunteer sign-up dates and to follow up with the Lowell Housing Authority about presenting to the commission in April. The commission also encouraged members to recruit volunteers at upcoming local veteran and civic meetings.
