The room was full Sept. 20 at the Italian American Victory Club when local historian and veteran’s agent Michael Perna was the guest of honor at a dinner to recognize him as this year’s Spirit of Shrewsbury Grand Marshal. In addition to Perna and his family, notables in attendance included State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) and members of the Board of Selectmen.

Perna, a life-long resident of Shrewsbury and a 1968 graduate of Shrewsbury High School, is a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, having retired in 2004 after a 36-year career. He currently serves as Shrewsbury’s veteran’s agent. He is noted for being an avid historian, preferring to be in the midst of research more than most anything with the exception of spending time with his wife Sandy, children and grandchildren.