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Date: 11/17/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – In observance of Veterans Day, West Springfield hosted a parade and ceremony on Nov. 11. The parade started at St. Thomas the Apostle Church and made its way down Kings Highway and Elm Street, and finished in front of the Town Hall.
Marching in the parade were the West Springfield Veterans Council, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Riders, Mayor William Reichelt, state Rep. Michael Finn, members of the Town Council, the West Springfield Police and Fire departments, the middle school and high school bands, along with several other businesses and organizations in town.
Following the parade, folks gathered at the Town Hall for a brief ceremony. Veterans Director Nick Smith began by thanking everyone who marched in the parade. He said that due to the pandemic, the annual parade did not take place for the past two years.
“[We] had a great showing from veterans and the town,” said Smith. “It makes me proud to be from West Springfield.”
The West Springfield High School Band played the national anthem, followed by Dan Maldanado, West Springfield’s Veteran of the Year, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Maldanado was given this title due to his own service in the Marine Corps along with his extensive work helping veterans in town. Over the next year, Maldanado will assist Smith in many events around town, including events for both veterans and kids.
“It’s an honor to be here,” said Maldanado. In reference to his fellow Marines, he added, “It’s a great group of vets that I’m representing.”
Reichelt acknowledged Smith for his hard work in putting the Veterans Day ceremony together. Smith has had the job for about a year, and this was his first time leading a Veterans Day ceremony.
Reichelt said that as the town continues to grow, he hopes everyone can continue this sense of community, along with the support for Smith and his services.
Finn shared that this Veterans Day in particular stands out to him, as it’s around the anniversary of his father passing. Finn’s father was a World War II veteran.
Finn thanked all the veterans for their service.
“Your service is noticed and [we’re] thankful for all you’ve done,” he said.