Prior to the parade, the first-ever 'Up Front for DeMar' race and walk drew over 200 participants. For more photos of the parade, click here.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — More than 100 people gathered at the Veterans Memorial following the annual parade on Sunday to honor troops of past and present and celebrate Armistice Day.
"On this Veterans Day we give thanks to the millions of Americans who have and continue to strengthen our nation with their example of service and sacrifice," said Mayor Richard Alcombright. "Our veterans are drawn from many generations and many backrounds. Some marched on battlefields, some fought on the seas, some patrolled the skies. However, all contributed to the character and greatness of the United States."
The parade began around 10:45 a.m. at American Legion Post 125 and continued down the drive, east on Main Street and north on Eagle Street toward the Veterans Memorial. A police cruiser led the parade, which included local veteran groups, American Legion Riders, the Drury High School band, and others.
At the memorial, American Legion Post 125 Cmdr. Dennis St. Pierre led the ceremonies, which featured keynote speaker Larry Connors, former Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department Commander for the American Legion.
American Legion Post 125 Cmdr. Dennis St. Pierre led the ceremony.
"Today we celebrate the veterans, living and for those who have left our ranks," Connor said. "And let them know, that they, while we mourn our losses, we truly celebrate Veterans Day."
Although much of the day revolved around celebration, it was impossible to ignore sacrifices.
Prior to the parade, the first-ever "Up Front for DeMar" race was held, which drew over 200 participants. The race raised money for a scholarship in the name of the late 20-year-old Army Spc. Michael DeMarsico II, who died while serving in Afghanistan in August.
"I spoke with Mike's mom and dad a few weeks ago...[they said], 'Just as Michael was going to serve his country he had told us he joined the service because he loved his hometown so much, he wanted to do all he could to protect it.'"
The mayor also thanked the local Elks Lodge for maintaining the park and replacing the flags annually.
After the ceremony's introduction, John LeClair, the 2012 Boys State participant from American Legion Post 125, led the Pledge of Allegiance. In between talks, the Drury Band performed the Star-Spangled Banner and the Armed Forces Medley.
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BAAMS' Monthly Studio 9 Series Features Mino Cinelu
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — On April 20, Berkshires' Academy of Advanced Musical Studies (BAAMS) will host its fourth in a series of live music concerts at Studio 9.
Saturday's performance will feature drummer, guitarist, keyboardist and singer Mino Cinelu.
Cinelu has worked with Miles Davis, Sting, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Tracy Chapman, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder, Lou Reed, Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Vicente Amigo, Dizzy Gillespie, Pat Metheny, Branford Marsalis, Pino Daniele, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Salif Keita.
Cinelu will be joined by Richard Boulger on trumpet and flugelhorn, Dario Boente on piano and keyboards, and Tony Lewis on drums and percussion.
Doors open: 6:30pm. Tickets can be purchased here.
All proceeds will help support music education at BAAMS, which provides after-school and Saturday music study, as well as a summer jazz-band day camp for students ages 10-18, of all experience levels.
Also Saturday, the BAAMS faculty presents master-class workshops for all ages, featuring Cinelu, Boulger, Boente, Lewis and bassist Nathan Peck.
More than 300 students from area high schools entered their work in 12th annual Teen Invitational at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. click for more
Backed by a $750,000 federal grant for a planning study, North Adams and Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art are looking to undo some of that damage.
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"It wasn't 100 percent consistent but I was afforded the opportunity to get to know other people with different religion, beliefs, backgrounds and culture and to be able to embrace that." click for more
With the area warming up, events are blooming in the Berkshires this weekend, including an egg hunt, live music, fitness events, and more.
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