EASTHAMPTON — Although the COVID-19 pandemic has meant the cancellation of many events and traditions in 2020, it didn’t stop the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars from marking Veterans Day in the city.
“The Legion and the VFW really knocked it out of the park with this,” said Michael Slater, the city’s veterans agent.
The two organizations teamed up to honor veterans in much the same way that they have done for years: Raising and lowering flags, laying wreaths, firing volleys and playing taps at each of the city’s war memorials.
“We’ve been doing this for years and years,” said Kevin Miller, the commander of American Legion Post 224.
The procession of vehicles carrying a couple dozen attendees left the American Legion Post 224 building in late morning, first stopping at the Old Town Hall, which contain’s the city’s Civil War Memorial. It then stopped at the veterans memorial at Brookside Cemetery, before finishing at the World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials located at Veterans Memorial Park near the library. Masks were worn by those in attendance, the ceremonies took place outside, and the procession had a police escort.
“I was really proud of all the veterans,” said Brian Dupee, the commander of VFW Post 3422. “I didn’t expect this many to be here.”
Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle said it was important to gather in person to mark Veterans Day.
“This year is extremely poignant and sad and I would say tinged with a little bit of anger,” LaChapelle said, referring to the COVID-19 outbreak last spring at the Holyoke Soldiers Home. “This year we are remembering veterans that honestly should be here.”
At least 76 veteran resident died in the outbreak, and former Soldiers’ Home superintendent Bennett Walsh and medical director Dr. David Clinton are facing criminal neglect charges.
“That’s a disgrace on us all,” she said.
Normally the ceremonies are followed by a lunch and awards, but Miller said that both were called off this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dupee served in the Marines from 1976 to 1998, while Miller served in the Army from 1974 to 1998. Miller said he got involved with veterans work because of comradeship, and Dupee noted how veterans organizations can help veterans who are having problems.
“They feel better talking veteran to veteran,” he said.
Paula Smith, speaking after the last ceremony, said that her father, Edward Kaczmarczyk, a World War II veteran, used to attend the Veterans Day ceremonies, and would participate in the firing of the volleys.
“I miss him,” she said.