Members of American Legion Post 293, followed by Scouts, march back to the post after this year’s Veterans Day ceremony.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
EAST LONGMEADOW — As is the custom in East Longmeadow, Veterans Day was marked by a procession of members of American Legion Post 293, clad in their regalia, marching the short distance from the post to the Town Hall. Joined by local and state officials and two contingents of Scouts, the veterans stood at attention in the bright fall sun while Vice Commander Jim Plushner led the ceremony.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Scout Troop 179 and Cub Scout Troop 272, East Longmeadow High School student Emma Roffe sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and, later, “God Bless America.” Fellow students Emanuel Garcia and Michael Lonczak sounded taps on the bugle.
Town Manager Tom Christensen delivered remarks about the “undisputed fact” that Americans enjoy their freedom and rights due to the actions of veterans and active members of the military. Veteran Service Officer Jason Burgener reflected “on both the cost and the blessing of liberty.”
State Rep. Brian Ashe (D-Longmeadow) recognized his son, Senior Airman Tiernan Ashe, who was present at the ceremony. He praised Terry Glusko, who was recently named Veteran of the Year by the Springfield Elks Lodge, in part for his efforts to erect a veterans’ memorial in East Longmeadow. Ashe said that while Veterans Day comes once a year, people need to recognize and be grateful to them every day.
