West Springfield remember fallen heroes with Memorial Day service

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Town of West Springfield Department of Veterans’ Services held a special ceremony Monday to commemorate Memorial Day.

All weekend, the town of West Springfield has had events to recognize and memorialize the lives of our fallen heroes. The town flagged the graves of Veterans and held a ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Bridge Monday morning.

The final ceremony at town hall was led by retired Major Mustafa Thompson, who served in the U.S. Army and it included the Presentation of Colors by the Massachusetts National Guard, West Springfield Police and Fire Department Honor Guards… and taps were played. There were also special musical performances from The West Springfield High School Band and Chorus and the Fausey Chorus.

This outpouring of community appreciation moved the services members present.

“I think it’s great, I think we have to get more of our schools involved so they can pay their respects and know that their freedom came from service men and women paying the ultimate sacrifice serving in the military,” said Jorge Santiago, Director of the West Springfield Department of Veterans’ Services.

Speakers at the ceremony included Mayor William Reichelt, Senator John Velis and Representative Michael Finn, who all reminded the public the importance of remembering our fallen heroes and reflecting as a community during gatherings on Monday.

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