Commemorating Memorial Day with Series of Events

Published on May 14, 2025

West Springfield, MA: The Town of West Springfield Department of Veterans’ Services, led by Director Marc Massey, has organized a full schedule of events to honor Memorial Day—an important day of remembrance for the nation’s fallen military service members.

The commemorations will begin on Saturday, May 24, with the flagging of more than 2,200 military graves throughout the Town. Volunteers are encouraged to take part in this meaningful tradition and are asked to gather at St. Thomas Cemetery, located at 420 Kings Highway in West Springfield, at 9:00 a.m. Flags will be provided by the Town for placement at each grave.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, the day’s events will begin with a gathering at 6:45 a.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Bridge, which connects West Springfield and Agawam off Front Street. The ceremony will start promptly at 7:00 a.m. and will include brief remarks in honor of those who served and sacrificed.

Immediately following the bridge ceremony, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will begin their dawn patrol, visiting all local cemeteries where fallen service members are interred, as well as the Town’s various war memorials. The patrol is scheduled to begin around 8:00 a.m. at Ashleyville Cemetery on Riverdale Street. From there, it will continue to Paucatuck Cemetery on Sibley Avenue, then to St. Thomas Cemetery on Pine Street, followed by White Church Cemetery on Elm Street. Additional stops will include the North End Bridge at the end of Park Avenue, the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial at the intersection of Park Street and Elm Street, and will conclude at the War Veterans’ Memorial at the southeast end of the Town Common, near the North End rotary.

The Town’s official Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. outside Town Hall,  located at 26 Central Street in West Springfield. The ceremony will begin with the reading of those killed in action. The events will be led by the Director of Veteran Service, Marc D. Massey, and will feature the Presentation of Colors by the Massachusetts National Guard, along with the West Springfield Police and Fire Department Honor Guards.  Mayor Reichelt will also speak at the event.   Musical performances will be provided by the West Springfield High School Band and Chorus, as well as the Fausey Chorus.

For those who are unable to attend in person, the Memorial Day Ceremony will broadcast on local access Channel 15 throughout the week.  The Town encourages all residents to take part in these solemn and respectful observances as we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.