Dads Group to Join Veterans Ceremony on Common Friday

For several years, Franklin veterans have gathered on the Town Common, rain or shine, at 9 in the morning, to  pay homage to a Franklin resident on the day of his death in the service of the country. The ceremony, held along the Veterans Walkway, directly across the street from St. Mary's Church, usually attracts only a few particularly faithful veterans amd supporters, or occasionally a family member of the deceased.

But this Friday, at least, as attendees mark the day that Captain Eddie Grant died in France during World War I, there should be some reinforcements.  Members of the Franklin Fathers, a local civic group, are hoping to make a showing for the man after whom they have named their annual  Kickball Tournament.

Group co-founder, Jayson Joyce said, "The Legion and VFW do the town the service of having these brief, moving ceremonies to honor those who gave the last measure of devotion. Since the Franklin Fathers has a special connection with Captain Grant, we wanted to show up. Enough of us have flexible schedules on Fridays so we hope to get a small delegation."

Grant, a Franklin native, was a graduate of Dean Academy and later of Harvard and Harvard Law School. He was also a major league baseball player of note.  When World War I came along he put aside his law career and volunteered to serve in the US Army. He was killed in the final weeks of the war as part of an effort to rescue, the "Lost Battalion" that was trapped behind German lines and in danger of annihilation. 

Dean's Grant Field is one of a number of locations nationally named in his honor.