Remembering Two Sons of Framingham
Honoring those Framingham residents who served our country
More than 100 years ago, the newly organized 26th Division of the U.S. Army, called the Yankee Division due to its make up of New England National Guard units, left the Musterfield at Camp Framingham for France.
Many of Framingham’s sons found themselves in the 101st Infantry of the Yankee Division far away from home.
Some found comfort with the spiritual guidance of Father Michael J. O’Connor of Saint Bridget Church, chaplain of the 101st. Fr. Mike, as he was called, brought with him an American flag made by the Sisters of Mary in Burlington, VT. That flag returned to Framingham after the war, and sits in Saint Bridget today.
But it was here in France where Corporal James J. McGrath and Sergeant Fred S. Murphy bonded over their Irish heritage and their beloved hometown of Framingham.
McGrath of Saxonville and Murphy of South Framingham never met before the Army. McGrath lived on Meadow Street and worked at Dennison. Murphy lived near Waverly Street. He worked at Long’s Manufacturing.
McGrath volunteered for a raid on the German line at the Rupt De Mad River in northeast France. While trying to alert the troops of a German advance, he was killed. It was May 31, 1918 - the first day of the raid.
McGrath was the first Framingham native and first from Saxonville to be killed in World War I.
Moments after McGrath had fallen, Murphy fell sick. German and American gasses drifted into the valley where the 101st were traveling. He died three days later in a hospital on June 2, 1918.
These two men from opposite sides of Framingham were brothers in arms.
They paid the ultimate sacrifice. Today we honor them with McGrath Square in Saxonville and Murphy Square at Winthrop and Waverly Streets.
Drive around Framingham and you’ll find more memorials, squares, bridges, and streets named after Framingham’s sons and daughters who gave their lives in service. Each person was a son or daughter, brother or sister, father or mother, friend and neighbor. Their selfless acts of courage should never be forgotten. Their stories should be told over and over.
It is the sacrifice of those lost in World War I that inspired the construction of the Memorial Building a decade later. The Memorial Building was built to serve as a center of civic and cultural life and “a memorial to soldiers, sailors, marines and nurses of the town.” More than 2500 names are listed in bronze on the walls as you enter the building.
This Friday is Veterans Day. Framingham is honoring our veterans by visiting Framingham historic veterans memorials throughout the city. Here is the schedule:
8:00am Assemble at rear of Memorial Building
8:15am Service at Sgt. Fred S. Murphy Square Memorial (Waverly Street at Winthrop Street)
8:30am Service at Cpl. Daniel Zinck Memorial (Franklin and Maple Streets)
8:45am Service at Buckminster Square
9:00am Service at Memorial Library (Framingham Center)
9:20am Service at Cpl. James J. McGrath Square (Saxonville)
9:30am Refreshments Rousseau Garage (1 School Street)
9:50am Service Sgt. Malen W. Barker Memorial (1 School Street)
10:15am Service at Veterans Park (Concord Street)
10:30am Return to Memorial Building
To the thousands of Framingham residents who have served our country - thank you. To the Gold Star Families of Framingham - we will never forget your loved one.
One of the best ways to show your appreciation to those who served and continue to serve our country is by voting. Tomorrow is Election Day. Go vote.