War veterans, music, American flags: Western Mass. celebrates the 4th of July with pomp and parades

Thousands of people turned out for East Longmeadow’s annual Fourth of July parade, and more than 1,000 participated in the event on foot, in floats and in vintage cars. Among them were veterans and active military personnel, Boy Scout groups, Little League teams and several marching bands.

For local resident Karen Amato, it was the first time she attended the annual celebration.

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Amato said it was a good day to reflect on how much the United States has to offer despite current politics.

“There is still much to be grateful for. We must not forget how far we have all come and that the United States has begun to seek the good of all. And we must move forward in that direction,” she said.

Local resident Dick Manning knew many of the people sitting around him and many who marched in the town’s annual event.

Manning said he has lived in East Longmeadow his entire life, and while the day is fun and social, it is also important to show up at the parade to support the military and other marchers.

“People forget all this, why we are here… as they say, freedom is not free. A lot of people don’t know that, especially the younger people,” he said.

Politicians who participated in the parade included U.S. Representative Richard Neal (D-Springfield) and State Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow).

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno marched in the parade before heading to Springfield to take part in the Fourth of July celebrations at Riverfront Park, culminating in the fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. tonight.

The Springfield Armory postponed its Fourth of July musket shooting demonstration due to staff shortages, but still offered an in-depth presentation on 20th century firearms.

Attendee Janet Robinson said her husband is in the U.S. Navy and she thought the presentation was a great learning experience for her children as it allowed them to learn about their fathers’ experiences on the job.

“We really try to give them an idea of ​​why we’re recreating this. Fireworks are nice, but when your dad is in the middle of the ocean and he’s being shot at, that’s the kind of noise he hears,” she said.

Armory education specialist Scott Gausen said the armory is an important place in American history.

“This facility was essentially responsible for the manufacturing and development of the U.S. Army’s small arms, essentially from the War of 1812 until it closed in 1968. It’s an American institution. You know, it’s an important place,” he said.

Springfield Armory officials said the musket shooting demonstration had been postponed until Saturday.