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Date: 7/5/2022
CHICOPEE – Ahead of Independence Day, Chicopee hosted its first Patriotic Parade before enjoying the annual tradition of fireworks at Szot Park on June 25.
According to Veteran Services Director Stephanie Shaw, the Patriotic Parade debuted in Chicopee as a different approach to the city’s veteran celebrations. While citizens expressed their desire for a Memorial Day parade, Shaw said members of the Memorial Day Planning Committee preferred a toned-down experience for the reflective holiday.
This year’s Memorial Day gathering featured a procession that involved veterans and Gold Star families alike. The celebration takes place annually at Veterans Memorial Plaza in front of Kevin A. Dupont Middle School.
“The veterans were very happy with that somber walk into the plaza space with the Gold Star families,” said Shaw in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
Shaw and the planning committee still viewed a celebratory parade as a welcomed addition in Chicopee. They ultimately opted for the creation of a Patriotic Parade that would honor the military community around the same time as Independence Day, Flag Day and the United States Army’s birthday.
“After a lot of back and forth, [we thought] what if we give the community the parade they want while still respecting the veterans and how they feel,” said Shaw.
The parade concluded at Szot Park where attendees could engage in a military-based resource fair and enjoy entertainment before the fireworks. Organizations such as the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke and the American Legion participated in the festivities alongside city officials.
Shaw said she envisions the Patriotic Parade’s inaugural year as the first chapter of a new annual tradition.
Mayor John Vieau explained that he did not weigh in on the veteran community’s event planning, but did support their new approach. The mayor also expressed encouragement with how the parade went over in its initial year.
“I thought it was a great parade for our first year…I’m hopeful people recognize how important it is to honor veterans and their sacrifices,” said Vieau in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
With 5,000 veterans inhabiting Chicopee, Vieau stressed that Chicopee is a “veteran proud city.” The mayor said he will continue ensuring that the military community receives proper recognition.
“As long as I am here, our veterans will be honored with dignity and we will always be thankful for the sacrifices they’ve made,” said Vieau.