In the News

Mayor Sarno, Congressman Neal and Veterans Services Director Tom Belton Call for Volunteers to Mark Veterans Graves with American Flags for Memorial Day

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Congressman Richard E. Neal and Tom Belton, Director of the Springfield Veterans Services Department call for volunteers to mark veterans’ graves with American Flags to commemorate Memorial Day. The long-standing tradition of placing flags on veterans’ graves is just one of the ways to honor those who bravely served in the armed forces.

The Springfield Department of Veteran’s Services is requesting for volunteers to come together to plant flags on nearly 22,000 veteran grave sites in advance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27th. Extra flags are also left at cemeteries for families in case their loved one’s grave was not marked. The Veterans Services Department informs family members that cemeteries do not have maps that identify veterans graves, but there are veterans sections within the cemeteries. The Department of Veterans Services furnishes upon the request, at no charge to the family, a marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased veteran in any cemetery in Springfield, regardless of their date of death.

Mayor Sarno stated, “Our veterans continue to give back to us – with many making the ultimate sacrifice – please let us all now sacrifice and volunteer to give back to them and their families. Thank you.”

“United States Veterans gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that we are all able to enjoy and exercise our freedoms that they fought to protect,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “It is our responsibility to recognize and thank the men and women who served our country honorably. As we mark Memorial Day, one small way to do that is to place an American flag at their gravesites for this commemoration. Please consider assisting the Springfield Department of Veteran’s Services in this meaningful event.”  

“As we commemorate Memorial Day this provides another opportunity for the community to honor its veterans, as well as those who lost their lives during all wars and conflicts. While no words will ever be fully worthy of their service, nor any honor truly befitting their sacrifice, let us remember that it is never too late to pay tribute to the men and women who answered the call of duty with courage and valor. Let us never forget,” said Director Tom Belton.

For further information on how to help, including cemetery addresses and cemetery hours, please contact The Department of Veterans’ Services at (413) 787-6141.

 

Back
Page last updated:  Tuesday, March 1, 2022 01:32 pm