CEDAR GROVE — Several hundred people were in attendance on Monday morning for the Memorial Day service at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

The featured speaker was Brigadier General John J. Driscoll, commander of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, whose remarks followed the procession of veterans and musical units from the John P. McKeon Post on Hilltop Street. Leading the way was the Boston Fire Department Honor Guard and the Greater Boston Firefighters Pipe & Drums. Boston Fire Department’s Ladder 7 displayed a large American flag from its rig. The events included a salute and wreath-laying at the Grand Army of the Republic burial plot.

Dorchester’s Memorial Day ceremonies at Cedar Grove Cemetery date back to immediately following the Civil War. Attending this year were Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Boston Police Commissioner Willie Gross, Congressman Steve Lynch, state Representative Dan Hunt, and City Councilor Frank Baker.

Gen. Driscoll, who was deployed to the Mideast for Operation Desert Shield/Storm in the early 1990s, was born in Boston and raised in Melrose, graduating from Pope John High School in Everett and Northeastern University, according to the Dorchester Reporter. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab.

All photos by Bill Brett