WESTFIELD – The city of Westfield and Town of Southwick will join communities across the country this weekend to honor those who gave their lives for the United States.
Westfield starts its remembrance Saturday, May 23 at 10 a.m. with the Circle of Honor at the Veterans’ Memorial, Stanley Park.
After the event, a meet and greet will take place with Donald S. Dorrington, USMC Iwo Jima Survivor, and Robert A. Greenleaf, USN, Pearl Harbor Survivor. Spectators should bring a lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony may be cancelled.
Westfield will continue its Memorial Day parade tradition Monday, May 25 with a 10 a.m. kick-off. Marchers should assemble starting at 9 a.m. at Mestek on North Elm Street.
The route will begin at Mestek and march south down North Elm Street across the Great River Bridge. The parade will continue down Elm Street to Broad Street, turning right onto West Silver Street and ending at Parker Memorial Park for the solemn remembrance of Westfield’s fallen soldiers.
Following the Parker Park Ceremonies, American Legion Post 124 will march theroute in reverse to the post home on Broad Street for additional ceremonies.
In Southwick, American Legion Post 338 will sponsor the annual Memorial Day Parade and ceremony also on Monday.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. near the Summer House on College Highway and continues south to the New Cemetery. Ceremonies will take place at the Town Common Memorial as well as at the cemetery.
Spectators are encouraged along the route in both communities. Police will control traffic, which will shut down to allow for marchers.
