A color guard leads the parade down State Street. Hampden County Sheriff Nock Cocchi waves to onlookers.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
SPRINGFIELD — The city of Springfield celebrated Veterans Day on Nov. 11, marking the occasion with a parade that marched from Springfield Technical College to the steps of City Hall.
The 2025 parade marshal was Michael Arillotta. He praised the veterans that came before him, saying, “The view is always better on the shoulders of giants.”
Hampden County Sheriff Nock Cocchi waves to onlookers. 
Veteran of the Year Elmer McMahon walks in the parade. 
Springfield Central High School’s Air Force JROTC marches in formation. 
Springfield Thunderbirds mascot Boomer rides a four-wheeler, waving the American flag. 
The 2025 Colleen Court rides atop a Dr. Suess-themed float. 
The Springfield High School of Science and Technology marching band plays for spectators 
The Girl Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts march behind their banner. 
People ride horses along the parade route. 
The Springfield Kiltie Band, Edward Cook, Tina Harkness and Dave Kern prepare to play during the handing of the wreaths. 
Four people stand, representing the Winchester Square Vietnam Era Veterans 
ROTC members salute as the national anthem is sung. 
Members of Springfield High School of Commerce Army JROTC stand on the steps of City Hall, while Mayor Domenic Sarno’s Chief of Staff Bill Baker reads a proclamation. 
Parade Marshal Michael Arillotta speaks to the crowd at the Veteran’s Day ceremony. 
Veteran of the Year Elmer McMahon hangs a wreath at the city’s Vietnam Memorial 
Veterans for Peace hold signs across from City Hall after marching in the Veterans Day Parade.
Each year, Springfield honors a “veteran of the year.” This year it was Elmer McMahon, who served in the U.S. Army in Europe during the late 1960s, before joining the Springfield Police Department. He thanked the crowd for remembering the veterans and said, “There’s a great sense of patriotism here today.” Later, he said that he hoped taking part in Veterans Day ceremonies would “galvanize the youth.”
