Springfield, MA – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Congressman Richard Neal, Veterans’ Services Director Joe DeCaro, and the Springfield Veterans’ Activities Committee announced the 2024 Veteran of the Year and Veterans’ Day Parade Marshall on Monday afternoon at City Hall.
Bill Walls, Chairman of the Springfield Veterans’ Activities Committee served as the emcee, and the Springfield Central High School Air Force JROTC provided the posting of the colors. State Representative Bud Williams also joined.
Mayor Sarno states, “The Veteran of the Year Award is given on an annual basis to a Springfield resident who is a veteran and continuously volunteers their personal time to better our community and never seeks recognition for the work they’ve done. I am honored to join with our Veterans’ Services Department and Veterans’ Activities Committee and Congressman Neal as we announce this year’s Veteran of the Year and Parade Marshall.”
The City of Springfield is proud to join in celebrating two veterans who have spent their lives serving their country, city and neighborhoods:
- United States Army Veteran, Mrs. Toni Hendrix, as Springfield’s 2024 Veteran of the Year
- And United States Army Veteran, Mr. Matthew Ferri, as Springfield’s 2024 Veterans’ Day Parade Marshal.
“Thanks to our proud U.S. veterans like Mrs. Toni Hendrix and Mr. Matthew Ferri, we are the beacon of hope, strength, democracy, and opportunity,” stated Mayor Sarno. “Congratulations to both Toni and Matt who are both so deserving of this honor and continue to demonstrate their commitment to service and community. We are thankful for their selfless sacrifices and look forward to proudly marching together on Veterans’ Day.”
“Every Veterans Day, we honor our veterans and recommit ourselves to the promises we made when they entered service. It is a privilege to join Mayor Sarno in recognizing two outstanding members of our community whose commitment to service inspires us all,” said Congressman Neal. “We are forever grateful to Mrs. Hendrix and Mr. Ferri, as well as their families, for their service and sacrifice. Our nation and community are better off because of their steadfast belief in our nation’s freedoms and values and their unwavering commitment to preserve and protect them.”
The City of Springfield’s annual Veteran’s Day Parade & Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. The parade kicks off from Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) at 11:00 a.m. and travels down State Street to City Hall where a special ceremony and wreath laying at the Veterans’ Monuments will take place.
For further information, please contact Springfield Veterans’ Services Director, Joe DeCaro at (413)787-6141 or JDeCaro@SpringfieldCityHall.com
