Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Congressman Richard Neal, Veterans’ Services Director Joe DeCaro, Health & Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris and the Springfield Veterans’ Activities Committee joined to announce the 2025 Veteran of the Year and Veterans’ Day Parade Marshall this afternoon City Hall.
Chair of the Veterans Activities Committee William Walls emceed the ceremony. Springfield Central High School Air Force JROTC presented the colors. Past awardees and committee members also joined including Toni Hendrix, Bernard McClusky, Joseph Hendrix, and many more. Thank you to all our veterans for your service.
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 always honored to join with Congressman Neal, our Veterans’ Services Department led by Joe DeCaro under the cabinet of HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris, and our Springfield Veterans’ Activities Committee including Chairman Bill Walls, as we announce the 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, Elmer McMahon, as Springfield’s 2025 Veteran of the Year,
- And United States Army Veteran, Michael Arillotta, as Springfield’s 2025 Veterans’ Day Parade Marshal.
“Thanks to our proud U.S. veterans like Elmer McMahon and Michael Arillotta, we are the beacon of hope, strength, democracy, and opportunity,” stated Mayor Sarno. “Congratulations to both Elmer McMahon, who is also a retired Deputy Chief with our SPD and my brother Elk at the Springfield Lodge of Elks, and Mr. Michael Arillotta 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 our veterans, 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, Tuesday, November 11, 2025 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. All are welcome.
