Veterans Day Parade and Grave Flagging Ceremony

Published on October 29, 2025

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Honoring Those Who Served Our Nation

West Springfield, MA: The Town of West Springfield, in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Services and Mayor Will Reichelt, is proud to announce the community’s annual Veterans Day Parade and Grave Flagging Ceremony honoring the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

The Grave Flagging Ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Cemetery, 420 Kings Highway, West Springfield. Volunteers, families, and community members are invited to assist in placing flags on veterans’ graves to honor their service and sacrifice. In case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to Saturday, November 8, 2025.

The Veterans Day Parade will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Parade participants will assemble at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot of St. Thomas School, located behind the church and accessible from Westfield Street. The parade will step off promptly at 10:00 a.m. and proceed along the traditional route (approximately two miles) from St. Thomas School to the West Springfield Town Common on Park Street, across from the American Legion Post 207.

A ceremony at the Veterans War Memorial Park on the Town Common will follow the parade at approximately 11:00 a.m., featuring remarks from retired Major Mustafa Thompson, Mayor Will Reichelt, State Representative Michael Finn and a community salute to our veterans.

Mayor Will Reichelt shared, “Veterans Day reminds us that freedom is never free, it’s earned and protected by the men and women who put service above self. West Springfield has a proud history of honoring those who wear the uniform, and I invite everyone in our community to come out, line the streets, and show our gratitude for their sacrifice.”

Director of Veterans’ Services Marc Massey added, “These events are a meaningful way to ensure our local veterans are never forgotten. Whether by placing a flag, marching in the parade, or simply showing up to support, every act of remembrance matters.”

Parade and Ceremony Details:

  • Assembly Location: St. Thomas School Parking Lot, rear of church via Westfield Street

  • Step-Off Time: 10:00 a.m.

  • Parade Route: St. Thomas School → Kings Hwy → Elm Street → Park Avenue → concludes at the Town Common

  • Vehicle Line-Up: Parade vehicles will exit into the American Legion Post 207 parking lot (83 Park Avenue).

  • Ceremony: Veterans War Memorial Park on the West Springfield Town Common, approximately 11:00 a.m.


Parking Information - Additional parking is available near the end of the parade route at:

  • American Legion Post 207, 83 Park Ave 

  • West Springfield Senior Center, 128 Park Street

  • West Springfield Town Hall, 26 Central Street

  • Coburn School, 115 Southworth Street


Please note: No parking is permitted on the Town Common or along its perimeter. Participants and spectators are encouraged to use the designated parking areas.

Those wishing to participate in the parade are asked to RSVP by October 31st to the Department of Veterans’ Services or the Mayor’s Office. Participants requiring special accommodations are encouraged to contact organizers as soon as possible.


 

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