State Sen. John Velis speaks on the importance of Memorial Day.
Reminder Publishing photos by Trent Levakis
EASTHAMPTON — The people of Easthampton showed out for the city’s 2025 Memorial Day parade as the downtown streets were filled with residents and families there to honor and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
A ceremony for the holiday took place after the parade at the Veterans Memorial right outside of the Emily Williston Memorial Library and Museum, and emcee for the event was Easthampton Veterans Service Officer Tom Geryk.
“As we reflect on our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who fought for our country and never made it home, let us appreciate and recognize not only their service, but the tremendous sacrifice of the gold star family members that they left behind,” said Geryk.
During the ceremony, the families of Easthampton residents Cpl. Donald M. Ashton Jr. and Chief Warrant Officer George F. Lapan were presented Medals of Liberty, the highest honor bestowed on soldiers from Massachusetts who have died while serving the United States.
Following a national anthem performance by the Easthampton High School Band, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by the high school’s “We the People” civic education team. Wreaths were then placed for the World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War monuments.
Also in attendance were state Rep. Homar Gomez (D-Easthampton) and state Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield). Gomez said the day was a time for people to recognize the brave men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedom before reading a state proclamation for the holiday.
“We’re free because others are brave,” Gomez said. “Their courage allows us to live in peace and enjoy everyday moments with our families, friends and neighbors.”
Velis, in speaking on the importance of the holiday, reflected on his time in the Army National Guard having served in Afghanistan. He recalled a day where he lost three fellow soldiers and friends. Specialist Delfin Santos, Staff Sgt. Christopher Ward and Army Spc. Wilbel Robles-Santa died after an improvised explosive device went off in April 2013. Velis was one of those who carried Robles-Santa’s body to be returned home via a Blackhawk helicopter.
Velis highlighted that less than one half of 1% of the population currently is enlisted in the armed forces. He added Memorial Day is about honoring the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the nation and the freedoms Americans are allowed.
“Today is not the day we celebrate those who went home. Today is the day that we honor those who did not. And that is a distinction with a profound difference. I do not like cliches, but I am going to say it anyway: A veteran is a person, who at some point in time, wrote a check for an amount up to including their life. Today, we honor those where that check was cashed,” Velis said. “Have your burger, have your hot dog, have your beer, have your whatever, but just remember every single thing you’re having is because of Ward, Robles and Santos, and everyone else.”
