Massachusetts honored its military veterans today with virtual events and much smaller than usual Veterans Day observances.
The Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services streamed a pre-recorded ceremony with veterans, active military members, clergy, and music performers from across the commonwealth that included remarks from Governor Charlie Baker.
"I think in some respects, the most important thing I can say about Veterans Day is that it gives us chance to reflect for a minute on what our freedoms, our democracy means to us," said Baker. " We would not be Americans with the kinds of rights, liberities, and opportunities we have in this country if it were not for the men and women in uniform past, present and future."
Newly appointed Veterans Secretary Cheryl Poppe said said there are many individuals and groups in Massachusestts steadfastly committed to assisting veterans and their families.
"Although this ceremony may look a little different, we hope the true appreciation and efficacy of the meaning of this day will still shine brightly on your TV screens, your computers, or your tablets," said Poppe.
Because of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions, parades could not be held and crowd sizes for outdoor gathers had to be limited.
In Springfield, about two dozen veterans assembled in front of City Hall for a short speaking program. Mayor Domenic Sarno read a proclamation and said he was “honored and humbled” to stand with the veterans.
"There was no way, no way in hell, we were not going to honor our veterans because of the hell they went through in order for us to lead the lives we lead," said Sarno.
In her remarks at the ceremony, the city’s Health Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris paid tribute to the late Mildred Dunbar who was a Staff Sergeant in the Army during World War II and was active in Springfield politics and government for decades.
"As we celebrate the historic accomplishment of vice-president-elect Kamala Harris it is important we remember women like Millie Dubar, who paved the way for many of us and we all stand on her shoulders because of her sacrifice and because of who she was as a veteran," said Caulton-Harris.
The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying at the veterans monuments in Court Square.
The Italian Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts and the South End Citizens Council held a small ceremony at the Italian-American Veterans Memorial Monument in Springfield’s South End.
Chicopee held an invitation-only wreath-laying ceremony at Veterans Plaza.
Organizers of small ceremonies in West Springfield and Westfield encouraged people to watch the programs on local access television rather than attend in person.
The United Veterans of Holyoke produced an all-virtual Veterans Day ceremony.
