9 April, 2024
In honor of Patriots’ Day, the Hopkinton Marathon Committee (HMC) will honor two U.S. veterans at the start of the Boston Marathon. Both veterans work for the Hopkinton Department of Public Works, which plays important roles before, during, and after the Boston Marathon to keep the town and race clean and safe.
HMC chairperson Dorothy Ferriter-Wallace began the tradition of recognizing veterans at the start of the Boston Marathon, which falls on Patriots’ Day annually. “Honoring local veterans for their service to our nation is one of the highlights of my morning. It is important for us all to remember the sacrifices these men and women have made for our country. Bringing them to the starters’ platform to receive their recognition in front of the large race-day crowd and to hear the signing of the National Anthem, is a small part we play in letting them know we appreciate them, particularly on Patriots’ Day.”
Veteran Raymond Shehata has worked at the Hopkinton DPW for 11 years. He grew up in Alexandria, Egypt and moved to the US in 1997 at age 19. He lives next door to Hopkinton in Milford. His Mom and younger brother joined him in the U.S. in 2008. Shehata served in the U.S. Army for six years, including one tour in Iraq back in 2009/2010 working in military intelligence. He will also celebrate his 46th birthday on Patriots’ Day.
Veteran Kerry Reed, a New Jersey native, has lived in Hopkinton about 12 years and serves as the Director of Public Works in Hopkinton. The West Point graduate worked as an Engineer Officer in U.S. Army, stationed in Missouri, Washington, Korea, and South Carolina, mostly managing construction, but also training new soldiers and ROTC cadets. During her time in Hopkinton, she has also served on Hopkinton Conservation Commission for about 10 years. Her husband, Scott, and two boys Lucas, 15, and Grayson, 13, are backpacking on the Appalachian Trail with Boy Scouts the weekend of the Boston Marathon. She has many fond memories of watching the start with her family and cheering on friends running, as well as Kenyan runners that her son was especially excited about after meeting them at Elmwood School.
The Hopkinton Marathon Committee was established in 1979 to work in conjunction with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), the organizers of the Boston Marathon, to ensure that the annual running of the race is an exciting, successful and safe event for all concerned. Committee members contribute their efforts throughout the entire year to the planning, organization, and coordination of multiple facets of the race, working to protect the best interests and welfare of the town, its residents, businesses and visitors.
