Foxborough Candidates Cancel Signs on the Common Saturday; Pay Tribute to Marathon Victims

Candidates in Foxborough’s annual town election have agreed to cancel this weekend’s campaign efforts, traditionally known as “Signs on the Common” in respect and tribute to the victims of Monday’s attacks on the Boston Marathon.

Foxborough selectmen James DeVellis and Lynda Walsh spoke after Tuesday’s board meeting and decided it was best to forgo Saturday’s “Signs on the Common” event in light of Monday’s tragedy.

"Jim and I had a conversation and in light of the tragedy only a few short days ago, we feel it's best to put the signs down this Saturday morning and focus on family and friends," Walsh said. "We'll be back at it next Saturday."

Said DeVellis: "Asking our DEVELLIS supporters to take a break this weekend from holding our signs on our Foxborough Common. As our town flag is flying at half mast, please take time to be with your family and friends and perhaps do something nice in your own way."

John Gray, the third candidate in this spring’s selectmen’s race, also announced he would be canceling Saturday’s campaign efforts on the Common.

“We [candidates for selectman] feel that it is right to show our respect and foster an environment of community and togetherness at this difficult time,” Gray said. “Our prayers are with all of the victims and those who have been affected.”

School Committee candidate Stephen Udden made a similar announcement on his Facebook page Wednesday.

“I'm canceling my campaign sign holding on our Common this Saturday, April 20, 2013,” Udden said via Facebook. “Our hearts and prayers are someplace else since Monday in Boston.”

On Tuesday, Foxborough’s Board of Selectmen held a moment of silence for the victims of Monday’s bombing and asked all residents lower their American flags to half-staff until further notice in remembrance of those affected by the attacks.

“We’ve all heard about the tragedy at the Boston Marathon," DeVellis said. "Terrible tragedy ... loss of life ... for children and residents of Massachusetts and for a race that invited 80-plus countries [into Boston] I’m sure we all have our feelings of anger, resentment."