FRAMINGHAM – The City of Framingham will hold its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, at 11:11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, located at the corner of Concord Street and Guadalcanal Road.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move indoors to Cushing Memorial Chapel at Cushing Memorial Park. A decision regarding the location will be announced no later than noon on Monday, November 10.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Lieutenant Colonel Dennis B. Ford, U.S. Army Reserve.
The program will include:
- Master of Ceremonies: Jen Sawvelle – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran; Veterans’ Services Representative, City of Framingham
- Presentation of Colors: Framingham Police Department Honor Guard
- National Anthem: Nicole Herring – Daughter of Gold Star Honoree Specialist Four Phillip Herring
- Pledge of Allegiance: Framingham Scouts, led by Nick Paganella – U.S. Army Korean War Veteran
- Invocation: Reverend Sarah Mato – Rector, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Framingham
- Greetings from the Mayor: Honorable Mayor Charlie Sisitsky – Mayor, City of Framingham
- Greetings from the City Council: Philip R. Ottaviani, Jr. – City Council Chair, District 6 Councilor
- Remarks from the Framingham History Center: Anna Tucker – Executive Director, Framingham History Center
- Governor’s Proclamation: Robert Meltzer – U.S. Air Force Veteran; Veterans Council Member
- Keynote Speaker: Lieutenant Colonel Dennis B. Ford – U.S. Army Reserve
- Taps: Charles F. Rousseau – Vice Chair, Veterans Council
- Retirement of Colors: Framingham Police Department Honor Guard
Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Brian Ford is a highly decorated U.S. Army Reserve officer and combat engineer whose distinguished military career spanned more than 30 years. He began his service as an enlisted Infantry soldier with the 104th Infantry Division of the Massachusetts Army National Guard before completing Officer Candidate School and earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Engineer Corps in 1994. Over the course of his career, Lieutenant Colonel Ford held command and staff positions from company to brigade, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to service.
Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, then-Captain Ford was mobilized to support security operations for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and later for Operation Noble Eagle, protecting high-value military assets. In 2004, he transitioned to full-time active duty, serving nine years as Senior Operations Officer at Natick Laboratories while deploying multiple times to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Kyrgyzstan in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. His exemplary service earned him numerous commendations, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), Army Commendation Medal (three awards), Army Achievement Medal (three awards), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hourglass and 20-Year Device, and the German Armed Forces Efficiency Badge (Gold).
Lieutenant Colonel Ford retired from active service in 2021 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (O-5). He now serves as President of Ford Properties, a Framingham-based real estate investment firm specializing in commercial and residential properties throughout the MetroWest area. Residing in Sudbury with his wife Becky and daughters Isabella and Gabriella, he continues to champion veteran causes and community service, reflecting the integrity and commitment that defined his military career.
Prior to the ceremony, there will be a visit to Veterans memorials in the City of Framingham. Those interested in doing the tour should meet at the Memorial Building at 7:45 a.m.
The City of Framingham invites all residents to join in honoring and recognizing the service and sacrifices of local veterans at both events.
Framingham State University 
Christa McAuliffe Center