Lowell Veterans Commission backs military buyback expansion, plans 250th anniversary parade

LOWELL — October 8, 2025 — Lowell Veterans Commission plans 250th anniversary Fourth of July parade and backs pension buyback expansion. At the October 8 meeting, Commission Chair Richard Cody outlined a proposed parade route running down Dutton Street to the Tsongas Arena, with military vehicles, muscle car clubs, food trucks, and evening fireworks, contingent on city approval and rapid requests to the Army Band and National Guard. The commission unanimously supported sending a written request to state Representative Rodney Elliott to file legislation raising the military time-buyback cap for veteran city employees from four years to 10. A $5,000 donation from the Franco American Veterans — a now-disbanded organization — was approved by the city council the previous evening and will be deposited into the commission's fund, which held roughly $900 before the gift. A Veterans Day ceremony is set for November 10 at 11 a.m. in the Hall of Flags at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, featuring the Lowell High School Junior ROTC and up to 90 fourth-grade students, with veteran artwork to be displayed at City Hall.