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Date: 4/17/2015
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The annual Memorial Day Parade returns this year, honoring the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The parade, set for May 25, pays tribute to those served the United States, and West Springfield’s Veteran Services Director Chris Lizotte said any Word War II veteran could serve as an honorary parade marshal.
“We want to honor all of those World War II veterans,” Lizotte said. “We really wanted to focus on World War II and to give all the veterans an opportunity to be honored at the parade, especially those who haven’t been honored in the parade before.”
The parade will follow a two-mile route from St. Thomas School to the Town Common. After the parade, Lizotte said there will be speakers on the Town Common, including Mayor Edward Sullivan, state Rep. Michael Finn, state Sen. Jim Welch and James Woolsey, the superintendent of the Springfield Armory.
Lizotte said, while the parade is still weeks away, the biggest area of focus is getting veterans interested in participating. He has been using social media to gain the attention of younger veterans for the event and beyond.
“We’re trying to let them know that they should participate. It’s also outreach to let them know what benefits they’re entitled to, but that’s more across the board,” he said.
While Lizotte works with veterans, day in and day out, Memorial Day is a chance for the community as a whole to honor their services.
“Memorial Day is a somber day. We set aside time to really honor those who ultimately lost their lives in combat, succumb to injuries sustained in combat. It’s about taking a day to honor those who sacrifice the most for country,” he said. “I don’t think one day is enough … The community should come together and take a minute to give respect to those who ultimately gave their life for freedoms and things we live for today.”
Any World War II veterans interested in serving as parade marshals or anyone who would like to volunteer should contact Lizotte at 263-3019.