War veteran killed as he prepared to march

An 80-year-old Second World War veteran was killed today when a van backed over him as he prepared to march in a Veterans Day parade in Massachusetts.

Witnesses said William Hammond, captain of the parade’s colour guard, was lining up with fellow veterans at the start of the parade route in Whitman when the van hit him.

The van, owned by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter, was driven by a close friend of Hammond. He was taken to a hospital to be treated for emotional distress.

“It’s devastating,” said Richard Slowey, adjutant of VFW Post 697. “Bill is a very warm and very kind person.”

Hammond, who served in the infantry, had fought in the Battle of the Bulge, according to Robert Wessa, the post’s junior vice commander.