Storm changes West Side Veteran’s Day ceremony location

Date: 11/9/2011

Nov. 9, 2011

By Debbie Gardner

Assistant Editor

WEST SPRINGFIELD — West Springfield Director and Service Agent for Veteran’s Services James Berrelli, Jr. told Reminder Publications that there will be a few changes to this year’s Veteran’s Day ceremony, slated for Nov. 11.

Because of the storm damage to the Town Green, Berrelli said the music and speeches would take place in the parking lot of the American Legion at 83 Park Ave., with tentative plans for refreshments to be served under a tent at the Knights of Columbus Hall across the green.

“We’re definitely going to have the the ceremony in back of the Legion,” Berrelli said.

That ceremony will take place following the annual Veteran’s Day parade, which will muster at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Thomas School on Route 20, following a joint ceremony with the Agawam Veteran’s council on the Vietnam Veteran’s bridge.

Berrelli said this year’s Parade Marshall would be Maj. Robert Hubbard, commander, Active Duty Division of the United States marine corps Site Unit, and Veteran of the Year would be Dr. Frederick Conlin, Jr.

Berrelli said additional Veteran’s Day activities in and around West Springfield would include visits to the Holyoke Soldier’s Home and a Veteran’s Day ceremony at Wingate Skilled Nursing Facility at 42 Prospect Ave. on Nov. 9, and a Veteran’s Day luncheon at the West Springfield Senior Center, 128 Park St., at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 10.

For more information on Veteran’s Day events, contact Berrelli at 263-3019.

Debbie Gardner can be reached by e-mail at debbieg@thereminder.com