Council on Aging members raise concerns about proposed changes to Hubbardston Memorial Day program

Members of the Town of Hubbardston Council on Aging told colleagues at their meeting that the small Memorial Day committee is considering changes that could shorten military songs and reduce the musical elements that long-time volunteers have provided.

A member reported that the committee is discussing cutting or shortening some traditional elements of the program. Council singers and volunteers — who have historically provided musical tributes and coordinated an ice-cream social — said they were concerned about changes that would alter the tone and public recognition of veterans.

Council members agreed to ask the Memorial Day committee for formal confirmation of plans before committing singers, supplies or the ice-cream social. Claudia said the group could refrain from participating if the program departs from prior formats: “It’s okay if our group doesn’t… do anything for [Memorial Day],” she said, adding that she would be willing to have committee members approach the singers directly to coordinate.

Participants said they would wait for confirmation from the committee chair, identified in the meeting as Stevie M. Label, and that the Council on Aging would remain supportive of the town’s overall event planning while reserving the right to decline particular roles if the program changes.

Next step: Council members asked Sue to contact the Memorial Day committee and report back; no formal decision was taken at the meeting.