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Date: 11/9/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Veterans and guests enjoyed a pancake breakfast on Nov. 5 while paying tribute to those who have served their country. The West Springfield Veterans Council hosted its 21st Veterans Breakfast at St. Thomas School.
Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Mitch Salamon was named the town’s veteran of the year. Salamon was unable to attend the breakfast, and family members accepted the honor on his behalf. The Veterans Council noted that Salamon was a decorated infantry leader in the Vietnam War, and later president of Salamon Flooring Inc. and Salamon Realty LLC, as well as “a cornerstone in our community for years,” donating to public safety departments and the American Legion.
“The Salamon family has been contributing to the town of West Springfield for as long as I can remember,” remarked state Rep. Michael Finn. “I know how much hard work Mitch puts into everything he put in for the veterans of our community.”
Spaeth Landscaping was named business of the year, for its efforts to bring awareness to veteran mental health concerns. The company is led by Gary Spaeth, an Army veteran. Others recognized at the breakfast included veterans Vincent Desilets, Robert Emig and Scott Odell, as well a Universal Electric and IBEW Local 7 for their renovation work on the American Legion hall, and Sister Patricia Hottin, principal of St. Thomas School, for her support of veterans. Hottin said the award really belongs to her staff as a whole.
State Sen. John Velis also spoke at the breakfast. A veteran himself, Velis made a point of thanking all the Vietnam War veterans in attendance, whom he said were treated poorly upon returning to civilian life. He said Vietnam veterans now lead the way in ensuring that today’s service members are welcomed home.
Both West Springfield and Agawam will host ceremonies on Nov. 11 to commemorate Veterans Day. The day begins at 7 a.m. on the border between the two towns, with the laying of a wreath on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge, also known as the Strathmore or Mittineague bridge, which connects Front Street in West Springfield to Bridge Street in Agawam.
West Springfield’s parade begins at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Church. It will proceed down Kings Highway to Elm Street, through downtown to Park Street, Van Deene Avenue and finally Central Street, where a ceremony will follow outside Town Hall, 26 Central St.
The main ceremony in Agawam is at 10:45 a.m. at the Veterans Green, next to Phelps School at Main and School streets in Agawam. In the event of rain, the ceremony will move indoors at Agawam Junior High School, 1305 Springfield St., Feeding Hills.