Monday brought rain, remembrance and reflection to Newton, with the first Memorial Day ceremonies since the death of former Mayor Setti Warren.

Typically, the city’s ceremonies pay tribute to former Alderman Carleton Merrill, who died in 2013 at the age of 88. This year, Warren—who is buried just a few yards from Merrill in Newton Cemetery—was added to the honorees.

Merrill, who served in the Army Air Forces during World War II, was an alderman-at-large from Ward 1 for 13 terms, starting in 1950, and also served as Newton’s veterans agent for more than 30 years.

“For those of you who knew Carleton, you know what a kind, caring man he was,” Mayor Marc Laredo said. “I still remember his wooden nickel. He would carry around his wooden coin as he campaigned.”

Warren had a long career in local service as well—he was on the Community Preservation Committee and the Newton Economic Development Commission before becoming the city’s first Black mayor—and he served in the Navy during the Iraq war.

“We lost Mayor Warren too soon,” Laredo said before placing a flag at Warren’s grave.

Here are some photos from Monday’s ceremonies.

Donna Forte Cottons of the American Legion Post 440 Auxiliary lays a wreath during Newton’s Memorial Day ceremonies on May 25, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Anthony Pellegrini carries a wreath to lay during Newton’s Memorial Day ceremonies on May 25, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

State Reps Amy Sangiolo and Greg Schwartz carry a wreath to lay during Newton’s Memorial Day ceremonies on May 25, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Mayor Marc Laredo speaks about former Alderman Carleton Merrill and former Mayor Setti Warren during Newton’s Memorial Day ceremonies on May 25, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Mayor Marc Laredo and Veterans Officer Seth Bai place a flag at Setti Warren’s grave during Newton’s Memorial Day ceremonies on May 25, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Former Mayor Setti Warren’s gravesite at Newton Cemetery. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Gravesite of former Alderman Carleton Merrill. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Newton Veterans Affair Officer Seth Bai presides over Newton’s Memorial Day ceremonies on May 25, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle