Community gathers in East Longmeadow for Veterans Day

Well, East Longmeadow residents holding a veteran ceremony as well as a parade to Town Hall today. 22 News reporter Gabriella Villas-Boas is here with us on how things went. Gabriella. Thank you, Aretha. East Longmeadow veterans tell us they are grateful to everyone who came out on this beautiful day to march across town. The parade saw many attendees including vets, families and students. The march began at East Longmeadow American Legion Post 293 and continued all the way to Town Hall. East Longmeadow veterans tell us this celebration is important to honor those who fought for our country and those who are still fighting today. It brings light to the veterans all across the country and especially those that are serving active duty right now because it's so important for our country to maintain this vigil per se. Holly also says this parade is a great learning experience for those present to learn more about the military and the sacrifices they make. A local veteran tells us that he's grateful for all the support that East Longmeadow residents continuously show those who serve. East Longmeadow has always been known for having a strong support of their veterans, and to see this turn out is nice. Having the Boy Scouts here, we have the high school choir here, we have a couple members of the band here to play taps. The commander says this parade serves as a way to remember those who have made, quote, the ultimate sacrifice. Remember that, you know, that when we put on this uniform or join the military, we're signing a blank check, which could be up to the cost of our lives. To defend any freedoms for this country and to protect it, the parade closed with a soldier's prayer for the safety of all the men and women far from home serving their nation. Veterans also reminded attendees that it is important to take a moment to remember those who served and remain unaccounted for. To those who fought and to those who are still fighting. Thank you for your service. Working for you. I'm Gabrielle of the Lisboas 22 news.