Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 11/13/2023
LUDLOW — On Nov. 11, the 2023 Ludlow Veterans Day ceremony took place at the Ludlow High School Auditorium. Local veterans were honored as well as businesses and organizations who support veterans throughout the year were recognized.
Director of Veteran Services Eric Segundo said, “For some Veterans Day is celebrated once a year, Veterans Day should be recognized every day of the week and every day of the year. We’re a very patriotic and supportive community here in Ludlow that always supports the veterans.”
Attendees included state Sen. Jacob Oliveira (D-Ludlow), state Rep. Aaron Saunders (D-Belchertown and Selectman Derek DeBarge. During the ceremony, awards were presented. Business of the Year Award went to the Home Depot store in Wilbraham for providing services, donations and volunteers helping veterans in Ludlow. The Corvette Club of Western Massachusetts and Polish National Credit Union received the Veterans of Foreign Wars Above and Beyond Award. The American Legion Organization of the Year Award went to the Ludlow Rotary Club and the Outstanding Community Partner of the Year Award went to the Vietnam Veterans of Massachusetts Inc. supporting Ludlow’s new Veterans Soup Pantry with numerous donations to help sustain it. “We didn’t expect anything like this,” said Treasurer Norman Burns. “We do it because it’s the right thing to do. Veterans always help other veterans.”
Vietnam veteran Robert Boduch was awarded Veteran of the Year and the John M. Kulig Memorial Award. He has community involvement at different activities that support veterans not only in Ludlow but also at the Veterans Soldier Home in Holyoke. Boduch was unable to attend the ceremony so his two daughters accepted the awards on his behalf. Honorary mentions were Bruce Marshall and Classic Hits 97.7, Harris Brook Elementary School and Michele Manganaro-Thompson for raising over $1,500 for Wreaths Across America at Island Pond Cemetery.
The winners for the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy were also announced. The Patriot’s Pen Program is for students in grades 6-8 while the Voice of Democracy program is students in grades 9-12 and both include potential prizes and scholarships for the winners. This year’s Patriot’s Pen theme was “How are you inspired by America?” and the Voice of Democracy theme was “What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?”
Patriot’s Pen first place winner was Connor Styvestre of Baird Middle School and Voice of Democracy first place winner was Evan Jawarski of Ludlow High School.
“The men and women who have served our country deserve this recognition,” Segundo replied. “They’ve earned it and it’s a great opportunity for the community to come out and thank them for their services.”