American Legion holds Memorial Day ceremony in East Longmeadow

Yahoo

27-05-2025

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – Memorial Day traditions in western Massachusetts continued in East Longmeadow.
The American Legion held a special ceremony to honor and remember our fallen heroes. Dozens of people, including veterans and their families, lined up outside East Longmeadow High School to pay their respects.
Memorial Day ceremonies take place throughout western Massachusetts
The ceremony began with Legion members marching to the flagpole, where a gun salute and the traditional playing of 'Taps' took place. The Commander of the American Legion said this day is about never forgetting those who gave their lives for our country.
'For the most part, you know, most people will go in because they want to protect our freedoms,' Commander Brian Tidlund said. 'We don't want to be taken over by any other country, so this is how we protect by serving. So those that go in, and we all sign that blank check. When we signed that dotted line to join, we signed that blank check, saying we're willing to give our life if need be.'
The names of nearly 20 East Longmeadow veterans were read inside the high school auditorium, honoring their memory and sacrifice. The East Longmeadow High School Band also paid a special tribute to each branch of the military.
To further recognize the day, a proclamation from Governor Maura Healey was read by the town manager. The ceremony ended at the East Longmeadow Center Square, with the placing of a wreath in remembrance of the fallen heroes.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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