4 Medals of Liberty Awarded at Framingham Memorial Day Ceremony

Monday morning, the Town of Framingham honored those who gave their lives for our freedom today.

During the town's Memorial Day ceremony, Massachusetts Medals of Liberty were presented to families of four fallen Framingham soliders - Clifford Click, Clifford S. Carter, John M. McQuinn and Dennis J. Horrigan.

The final medal was presented to Marjorie Hastings of Natick in honor of her brother  Clifford S. Carter, a member of the U.S. Navy in World War II. He was killed in 1945 while serving aboard the U.S.S. Bunker Hill. In 2010, a square off Dudley Road was dedicated to her brother.

Horrigan served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was killed over the Sea of Japan when his reconnaissance plane was shot down by the North Koreans. His body was never found. The medal was awarded to his brother William. L. Horrigan of Framingham, who is a former Marine.

David J. McQuinn of Ashland accepted the medal for his dad John M. McQuinn, who died during the Korean War.

Former Framingham town employee Tom Click accepted the medal for his father Clifford Click, who died during World War II. Click was only 8 days old when his father died at the Battle of Kasserine Pass in Tunisia.

Prior to the ceremony, a small parade was held with the Framingham Firefighters Local 1652 as the color guard, followed by several politicians and few Veterans and the Framingham Girl Scouts.

After Framingham Veterans Agent Peter Harvell welcome the crowd to the ceremony, Veterans Council chaplain Robert Anspach delivered the invocation.

Senator Karen Spilka, whose father served in World War II, spoke to the crowd about patriotism, sacrifice and heroism. State Rep. Tom Sannicandro also spoke.

Framingham Selectmen Mike Bower reflected on the streets named near the Middlesex County courthouse off Concord Street. Named for World War II battles, he challenged the Scouts and children in attendance to go home and learn about them - Guadalcanal, Anzio, Normandy, etc.