EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – The Memorial Day Parade is back this year in Easthampton. This coming after last year’s parade was called off due to ongoing construction in the area.
Western Mass News spoke with a local veteran about the importance of this Memorial Day observance.
On Monday, a Memorial Day tradition returns to Easthampton when the city’s annual parade will be held once again.
Easthampton Veteran’s Service Officer Tom Geryk told us, “Last year, the parade was canceled for safety purposes, there was a lot of construction going on and everything like that, they definitely still had the ceremony, and they always will have the ceremony.”
Geryk elaborated on the importance of the day, saying, “You know, a lot of people confuse it with Veteran’s Day. Veteran’s Day we appreciate all those and their service, Memorial Day is more of a remembrance and honoring the memories and sacrifice for those who gave their lives for our freedom.”
He said the Memorial Day parade celebrates the history and creates awareness of the holiday in the community.
“For me, it’s very important to get people who don’t necessarily have the same appreciation and know some of the history on you know what Memorial Day is.”
This year’s parade will start on Clark Street and end at the Veterans War Memorial on Park Street.
Geryk told us they have 101 flags on display honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and there’s a new addition to their observance.
“This year we have the Medal of Liberty, that is being presented to the families and representatives of three veterans who were killed in action in Korea”
The Memorial Day Parade will step off at 10:30 on Monday morning.
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