GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The City of Greenfield and the Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans’ Services District will lead a parade and ceremony to honor the service of United States Armed Forces veterans on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11th.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the Greenfield Middle School and make its way down Federal Street onto Main Street, ending at the Veterans’ Mall for a ceremonial dedication of a new memorial commemorating post-Vietnam War veterans.
From the City of Greenfield:
Greenfield to Honor Service with Veterans Day Parade and New Memorial Unveiling
The City of Greenfield and the Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans’ Services District invite the community to honor
the service of all United States Armed Forces veterans at a public parade and ceremony on Veterans Day,
Tuesday, November 11. This year’s ceremony will feature the dedication of a new memorial at Veteran’s Mall
commemorating veterans who served in conflicts after the Vietnam War.
The parade lineup begins at 9:30 a.m. at Greenfield Middle School. The parade will step off promptly at 10 a.m.,
proceeding down Federal Street and turning onto Main Street before concluding at Veteran’s Mall for the
ceremony.
The ceremony will feature remarks from Mayor Virginia “Ginny” Desorgher and Gary Bourbeau, a U.S. Army
veteran of the Vietnam War and Gill resident. Following the memorial unveiling, the ceremony will include a
performance of the national anthem, the playing of taps, and the retiring of the colors. The event is expected to
conclude around 11 a.m.
“On Veterans Day, Greenfield unites to show our profound gratitude for those who stepped up to serve and
sacrifice for our community and country,” said Mayor Desorgher. “I hope to see our whole city come out for this
meaningful ceremony organized by the Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans’ Services District.”
“When you serve, you see the bravery and sacrifice of those standing right next to you. Veterans Day is one way
that our community can remember and honor that commitment,” said Chris Demars, Director of the Upper
Pioneer Valley Veterans’ Service District.
Following the ceremony, all veterans are invited to the Moose Lodge at 20 School Street for free coffee and
donuts.
There is also a Freedom 5k Walk/Run at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 9th, beginning at Blessed Sacrament
Church. The 5k is not organized by the City.
