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Patriotic Holiday Committee names Bill Linnehan Grand Marshal, outlines Memorial Day plans
Summary
The committee selected long-serving Veterans Service Officer Bill Linnehan as the 2026 Grand Marshal, discussed Memorial Day ceremony locations and a parade route (police approval required for Maple Street), and noted Linnehan will retire as VSO after May 27 but remain involved in ceremonies.
At its Feb. 18 meeting the Town of Bedford Patriotic Holiday Committee unanimously approved a motion naming Bill Linnehan as the 2026 Grand Marshal and began finalizing Memorial Day plans.
Bill Linnehan announced he will retire after 50 years and said he will remain Veterans Service Officer until May 27 and participate in the Memorial Day ceremony. The committee agreed Linnehan is a strong candidate; Bobbie Ennis moved and John Pecora seconded the motion to approve him as Grand Marshal, and the motion passed unanimously.
The committee reviewed possible ceremony sites for May 25, 2026. The DPW suggested the WWI memorial, but members raised concerns about parking and accessibility for older attendees. The group instead focused on the E‑Field and the Kids Club area behind the E‑Field as feasible options and assigned committee members to do walk‑throughs to confirm staging and accessibility.
A proposed parade route would follow the current path to South Road, turn right on South Road, then right onto Maple Street (a one‑way street), continue to School Street and Mudge Way back to the starting point. Committee members noted police approval will be required for Maple Street to be used in the opposite direction; Peter Ricci will consult with the Town Manager and seek Select Board approval of the site and parade route once a final site is chosen.
The committee also updated its Memorial Day task list and assigned responsibilities, and affirmed plans to inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace service flag holders ahead of the ceremony.
Next steps include site walk‑throughs, confirmation of police permits for the parade route, and coordination with DPW for staging and accessibility.
