Holyoke honors JFK with wreath-laying ceremony

A wreath laying ceremony in Holy Oak honored the memory of John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States. The event brought together the Holy Oak St. Patrick's Prairie Committee, Colleens, the South Hadley American Legion, Honor Guard, award winners, and community members at the JFK Memorial Plaza. The 2026 JFK National Award recipient and his wife participated in laying the wreath and had his name added to the statue. This tradition has been celebrated for over 50 years, allowing many to honor JFK's legacy. He was a great person for Massachusetts. He was an Irish American, American of Irish descent, and he did a lot for people. He was a man who stood up for this country, veterans of World War II, truly loved America. Last summer, a driver crashed into the memorial, significantly damaging it. But this past February, the memorial received repairs, thanks to funding given by the Kennedy family, and just in time for the ceremony.