Full Notification

West Springfield, MA: The Town of West Springfield Department of Veterans’ Services has planned several events for this week to commemorate Veterans Day, a national holiday to honor military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.  The events will be coordinated by the Town’s Director of Veterans’ Services, Marc Massey.

Veterans Day events will begin on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. in the lobby of the West Springfield Town Hall, 26 Central Street with a rededication of the Empty Chair.    The Empty Chair is a symbolic gesture representing those who have gone missing or have fallen in service; it serves as a poignant reminder of those who are absent, honoring their sacrifice and encouraging remembrance.

Events will continue on Saturday, November 9, with the flagging of the over 2,200 military graves across seven cemeteries in West Springfield.  Volunteers are encouraged to report to St. Thomas Cemetery, located at 420 Kings Highway in West Springfield at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday to begin.  Flags will be provided by the Town.

On Monday, November 11, Veterans Day events will begin with a wreath laying ceremony  at the Vietnam Veterans Bridge in West Springfield (the bridge connecting West Springfield to Agawam located off of Front Street). The gathering will begin at 6:45 a.m. and the ceremony will start at 7:00 a.m.   This ceremony is intended to serve as a powerful and public way to remember the sacrifices of veterans, unite the community in gratitude, and reflect on the enduring impact of military service on both the individuals who served and the country as a whole.

After the wreath laying ceremony, the Town will host its annual Veterans Day Parade, which will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.  Participants in the parade will assemble in the parking lot of St. Thomas School in West Springfield.  Parking is available in the rear of the church, accessible from Westfield Street.  The parade will proceed west down Kings Highway and then south down Elm Street, concluding at the Town Hall at 26 Central Street.  

Following the parade, the Town will host a ceremony at Town Hall, beginning at approximately 11:00 a.m.   The ceremony will be led by Master of Ceremonies, Staff Sergeant Marc Massey, U.S. Army and will include the Presentation of Colors by the Massachusetts National Guard and West Springfield Police and Fire Department Honor Guards.  Speakers at the ceremony will include Mayor William Reichelt and State Representative Michael Finn.  The West Springfield High School band and chorus and the Fausey chorus will also perform.  The post-parade ceremony will be streamed from the Town of West Springfield’s Facebook page and the local access channel, Channel 15.  

Mayor Reichelt commented, “I am proud of our city’s commitment to recognizing our veterans through meaningful activities and events that pay tribute to their service. Let us continue to show our gratitude and support for those who have fought to protect our freedom.”

For additional information about these activities, please contact Director Massey.

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