EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – The Memorial Day Parade is returning this year to Easthampton. This follows the cancellation of last year’s parade due to ongoing construction in the area.
Western Mass News spoke with a local veteran about the importance of this Memorial Day celebration.
On Monday, a Memorial Day tradition returns to Easthampton when the town’s annual parade takes place again.
Easthampton Veterans Service Officer Tom Geryk told us, “Last year the parade was canceled due to safety concerns, there was a lot of construction going on and everything else , they certainly always had the ceremony, and they always will have the ceremony. »
Geryk explained the significance of the day, saying, “You know, a lot of people confuse it with Veterans Day. On Veterans Day we appreciate all those and their service, Memorial Day is more of a remembrance and tribute to the memories and sacrifices of those who gave their lives for our freedom.
He said the Memorial Day parade celebrates history and raises community awareness of the holiday.
“For me, it’s very important to make sure that people who don’t necessarily have the same appreciation and know some of the history know what Memorial Day is.”
This year’s parade will begin on Clark Street and end at the Veterans War Memorial on Park Street.
Geryk told us they had 101 flags on display honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and there was a new addition to their celebration.
“This year we have the Medal of Freedom, which is awarded to the families and representatives of three veterans killed in action in Korea”
The Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday morning.
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