As Memorial Day reminds us, honoring and supporting our veterans is not something reserved for one day a year — it is a commitment we carry every day as a community.
Kelly McGrath, Executive Director of Brighton Main Streets, has always been deeply passionate about recognizing the service, sacrifice, and courage of our veterans. Through events like the Annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery in Brighton, she continues to ensure that the more than 1,200 veterans laid to rest there are never forgotten.
Each year, community members gather in reflection, gratitude, and remembrance to honor those who defended our freedoms — including many who never made it home. Volunteers come together to plant flags throughout the cemetery, creating a powerful tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Kelly’s dedication to veterans extends far beyond Memorial Day ceremonies. As the granddaughter of a World War II veteran who received a Purple Heart, she was raised with a deep respect for those who served our country. She strongly believes that how we treat and remember our veterans reflects who we are as a community and as a nation.
That commitment is also reflected in her advocacy for protecting veterans’ services and resources. Kelly has spoken passionately about the importance of maintaining funding and support systems for veterans, recognizing that these programs provide critical services, dignity, and care to those who have already given so much for our country.
She is also proud to support and recognize individuals like Frank Murphy, a 99-year-old veteran returning to Normandy to honor those who lost their lives, and Andy Biggs — veteran, Boston Police officer, and author of The Rifle books — whose work helps preserve these important stories of courage and sacrifice for future generations.
Kelly and Brighton Main Streets also want to thank everyone who braved the elements and came out to honor our fallen heroes this Memorial Day. We are incredibly grateful for and proud of the community that has made this meaningful tradition possible for more than 50 years.
A special thank you to @nechv1989 and their dedicated team for leading the annual flag planting efforts each year. We are also deeply appreciative of @bostonparksdept — especially Todd Stuckey and his team — for the tremendous care they give Evergreen Cemetery and for helping preserve such a beautiful and sacred place of remembrance. We are especially grateful to Todd for helping identify the locations of 30 veterans whose burial paths had previously gone unlisted, ensuring their names and sacrifices are never forgotten.
Thank you as well to our incredible volunteers from the Brighton Elks and Marsh Post, along with Mike, Brighton, Andrew, and Barry. This event would not be possible year after year without your hard work, dedication, and support.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to @mayorwu, @lizbreadon, @erinforboston, @briangolden27, @secretarybillgalvin, @bostonpolice, @bostonfiredepartment Chief Pat Ellis, @bostonvets, @sherunsonrealestate, @tinathurlow_yourrealtorforlife, @larosee_mary, and @brightonmarine for their continued participation and support of this important annual remembrance event.
Most importantly, to every community member and to the families of the fallen heroes and veterans laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery: please know their names were spoken, their lives were honored, and their service and sacrifice continue to be remembered by a grateful community.
Brighton Main Streets remains proud to stand with our veterans and their families — not only on Memorial Day, but every day — with endless gratitude, remembrance, and respect for all who served.
