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Veterans Council to host pancake breakfast, parade

Date: 11/2/2021

WEST SPRINGFIELD – The town of West Springfield is set to host its annual Veterans Day ceremonies with a pancake breakfast and parade.

Veterans Director Nick Smith said the observances begin Nov. 6, with a pancake breakfast at St. Thomas Church, 47 Pine St., at 9 a.m. The event is put on by the Veterans Council. Anyone is welcome to buy a $10 ticket, but veterans can eat for free.

The Veterans Day parade starts at 10 a.m. on Nov. 11. The parade will start at St. Thomas Church, then march down Kings Highway and Elm Street, as in previous years.

“There is a change this year,” Smith said. “We usually stop at the Common, [however], we will end at the Town Hall,” because of ongoing construction at the Common.

Smith added that despite the renovations, every year, the Lions Club assembles flags in the Common to honor veterans.

“Every flag has a name and message of people in town,” he said.

As of press time, Smith said they are working to finalize folks who will be marching in the parade. However, the West Springfield band will be marching. Smith encourages any groups or organizations that would like to march in the parade to reach out to him directly at nsmith@tows.org.

Following the parade, the ceremony at Town Hall will begin at 11 a.m. Here, Smith said there will be guest speakers including himself, Mayor William Reichelt and the Veteran of the Year. This year’s honored veteran is Dan Maldanado. Smith explained that Maldanado was chosen based on his substantial work in the town.

“Everyone is excited to have the parade back this year. We didn’t have it for the past two years,” said Smith. He concluded, “We are hoping for a great turnout.”

Over the next week, Smith said more information will be released regarding the pancake breakfast and the parade.