Memorial Day

WORCESTER – In preparation for Memorial Day, which is observed Monday, Deacon John A. Franchi, a retired deacon and a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, blesses flags for veterans’ graves at St. John’s Cemetery Wednesday. “May we be inspired to be more abundant in our giving as we commemorate their lives of service to others,” he prayed. The blessing was part of an annual tradition started in 1947, according to Kevin Mercadante, left, and Scott Laplante, of East Side Post 201 American Legion. They said that since the ROTC high school students who help distribute the flags couldn’t come this year, Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis had the Deputy Sheriff’s Association help. Photos by Tanya Connor | CFP