A crowd of about 30 gathered under overcast skies in Natick to attend Memorial Day observances that started off with a flag raising ceremony at the Community Center.

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Participants then departed for Glenwood Cemetery via car parade to pay respects at St. Patrick’s Cemeteries. From there it was on to the Indian Burial Grounds, where a prayer service for Native American Revolutionary War Veteran Alexander Quapish was led by The Sons of the American Revolution, with participation by The Daughters of the American Revolution.

Natick Common ceremony marred

Services concluded at Natick Common.

Unfortunately, during that part of the observances an audience member moved to the front of the crowd and displayed a Confederate flag. Local news TV stations have flocked to Natick on this story.

In a statement, State Senator Becca Rausch and Natick Select Board Chair Karen Adelman-Foster said, “We are shocked, dismayed, and horrified that an audience member at this morning’s Memorial Day observance moved to the front of the crowd and displayed a Confederate flag. In doing so, this individual desecrated the Grand Army Civil War Memorial in Natick Center, the memories of all people who have fallen in defense of equality and freedom, and each and every person now fighting for meaningful anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion in our communities. While this individual acted on his own, we apologize to everyone hurt or harmed by this act. We condemn this act outright, and remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing our shared values of justice, equity, and freedom.”