Members of American Legion Post 124 Honor Guard prepare to give the 21 gun salute (Photo by Peter Currier)
WESTFIELD- More than 100 American Flags were displayed on the front lawn of Westfield Middle School for the 3rd annual ‘To Serve and Protect Park of Honor’ ceremony to honor veterans, law enforcement, and medical personnel Saturday morning.
The ceremony, which is organized by the Westfield Kiwanis Club, was one of many that took part in Westfield over the weekend to celebrate Veteran’s Day.
“We have 150 flags displayed this year in honor of your family and your loved ones,” says Kellie Brown, President of the Westfield Kiwanis Club, in an opening speech. According to Brown, 149 flags were sponsored by the loved ones and family of veterans and law enforcement this year. The final flag was the Prisoners of War flag placed at the end of the row.
Kellie Brown, President of the Westfield Kiwanis Club, gives her opening remarks for the ‘To Serve and Protect Park of Honor’ ceremony. (Photo by Peter Currier)
The ceremony began with a prayer, which was followed by The National Anthem sung by Vivian Sztoek. Mayor Brian Sullivan delivered remarks to the crowd of residents and veterans gathered in the cold for the ceremony.
Massachusetts State Representative John Velis, who is currently serving a tour in Afghanistan, was given honorable mentions by those who were present.
“I would like everyone to say a little extra prayer for my friend and colleague, John Velis,” said Mayor Sullivan to close out his address.
Chris Burke wanders through the rows of American flags searching for the flag his family sponsored in the name of United States Marine, Carl Butler, who served in the Philippines from 1956-1958 (Photo by Peter Currier)
The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute by American Legion Post 124 Honor Guard and a playing of TAPS. Attendees were then free to walk through the rows of three foot by five-foot flags to find those placed in the name of their loved ones.
Saturday’s ceremony was originally scheduled for Nov. 3, but it was postponed due to inclement weather. The flags will remain in place until Nov. 24.
