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> Local News > East Longmeadow > East Longmeadow Honors Veterans
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East Longmeadow Honors Veterans |  | | The Veterans Day Parade
Reminder Publications photo by Kaitlyn Schroyer |
By Courtney Llewellyn
Reminder Assistant Editor
EAST LONGMEADOW -- Toddlers through senior citizens gathered in front of Town Hall last Wednesday on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the time dedicated by our country to honor our veterans.
The town's celebration started with a short parade from American Legion Post 293 to Town Hall, where both veterans and those gathered to support them recited the Pledge of Allegiance and listened to the National Anthem. Chaplain Ross Rennell led the speakers with a prayer.
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|  | | Carmine DeFranco, Commander of ITAM Post 64
Reminder Publications photo by Kaitlyn Schroyer |
Master of Ceremonies Carmine DeFranco, Commander of the ITAM Post 64, told those in attendance who the average military serviceman is -- a man of 19 who was an average student and participated in athletics in high school, who is "old enough to die for his country but not old enough to buy a beer," someone who is not good at writing letters but can assemble a rifle in the dark, "someone who can save your life or take it."
"Admire him, respect him, love him and always pray for him," DeFranco said.
Brian Tidlund, Post 293 Commander, added that without our veterans, there is no freedom, and Vice-Commander Kevin McMaster told those in attendance to say thank you to a veteran, with a special message for those who served in Vietnam: "Welcome home."
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|  | | Saluting the flag in East Longmeadow
Reminder Publications photo by Kaitlyn Schroyer |
Brian Tidlund, Post 293 Commander, added that without our veterans, there is no freedom, and Vice-Commander Kevin McMaster told those in attendance to say thank you to a veteran, with a special message for those who served in Vietnam: "Welcome home."
Selectmen James Driscoll and Paul Federici placed wreaths on two memorials, one in the rotary, the other in front of Town Hall, which was followed by the playing of Taps. Selectman Jack Villamaino listed the names of servicemen from East Longmeadow who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
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|  | | State Rep. Brian Ashe
Reminder Publications photo by Kaitlyn Schroyer |
"It seems that only when we're at war we realize the sacrifice our military is making," State Sen. Gale Candaras stated. "We should be thankful every day of the year, not just today."
State Rep. Brian Ashe noted that 90 years ago, Armistice Day was first celebrated to honor our nation's veterans. "Whatever we call this day, we should never forget it. Without celebrations, people tend to forget." |
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