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Lowell Veterans Commission narrows Memorial Day options; requests city budget estimate
Summary
Commissioners discussed consolidating Memorial Day activities into a single centralized event, possible locations (Arcand Drive/College Stadium, Middlesex/Palmer) and asked the city manager for a budget estimate ahead of next meetings.
The Lowell Veterans Commission discussed options for Memorial Day 2025 and agreed to pursue a consolidated event with banners, a flag-raising and family-oriented activities, but members said they need a city budget estimate before finalizing plans.
Jacqueline Coles, chair of the Lowell Veterans Commission, said the commission is considering locating the primary event on Arcand Drive near the college stadium or at a Middlesex/Palmer Street site that the city manager can more readily support. Coles said the commission wants the event to include a memorial service, banner presentations and family activities such as classic cars and small carnival features, but stressed that a final location depends on city approval and available funds.
Commissioners asked the chair to submit a budget outline to the city manager for review. The city manager indicated he may attend a future meeting to discuss funding and participation. Commissioners also noted that certain planning steps — including vendor contracts, street closures and some planning conversations — cannot be completed during a quorum meeting without complying with open meeting laws. The chair asked for volunteers to work on logistics outside the formal meeting setting and to coordinate with the Veterans Services Officer and the city’s cultural affairs office.
No final decision on location or a budget allocation was made at the meeting.
