A contingent of the U.S. Air Force in West Springfield participates in the parade.
Reminder Publishing photos by Dennis Hackett
WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Nov. 11, West Springfield was one of many communities in the area to honor Veterans Day. The town’s festivities included a parade followed by a ceremony on the town common.
West Springfield officials, including Mayor William Reichelt and state Rep. Mike Finn, make their way down Park Street during the parade. 
Three members of the West Springfield Lions Club walk down Park Street during the parade. 
The West Springfield Middle School band plays during the parade. 
Before the ceremonies began on the town common, a boy raced past the newly renovated veterans memorial carrying an American flag. 
The West Springfield High School Marching Band participates in the parade. 
The West Springfield Youth Cheerleading squad walks along the parade route. 
West Springfield Veterans Services officer Marc Massey speaks at the Veterans Day ceremony. 
VFW Chaplain David Feeley says a prayer during the ceremony. 
Mayor William Reichelt speaks during the Veterans Day ceremony. 
State Rep. Mike Finn reads a citation from Gov. Maura Healey’s office and greetings from state Sen. John Velis, who was deployed at the Texas border and could not attend the ceremony. 
The West Springfield VFW Post 6417 was named the Veteran Business of the Year. 
Retired Maj. Mustafa Thompson speaks at the ceremony and encouraged attendees to commit one act of service in honor of Veterans Day. 
Former Marine Norm Burns was named West Springfield’s Veteran of the Year. He died in November of 2024 and his wife, Tracy, accepted the award on his behalf.
