Gallery 1: Quabbin Gallery 2: Bousquet Gallery 3: Brooks Gallery 5: Read Gallery 6: Johnson

Each year the Friends of Quabbin, in collaboration with the Metropolitan District Commission, the Belchertown Veterans Council and area Historical Societies, sponsors Memorial Day Services at the Quabbin Park Cemetery the Sunday before Memorial Day. In addition to traditional Memorial Day Services that honor Veterans and recognize the supreme sacrifice made by soldiers, the ceremony also recognizes the former towns of the Swift River Valley; Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott, and the residents who gave up their land for the Quabbin Reservoir project. 

  The event begins at 10:00 AM with refreshments donated by local businesses. At 11:00, the March Step-off commences in front of the Cemetery Administration Building which includes Veterans organizations, local Historical Societies and former residents and descendants. The procession marches around to the cemetery to the monuments, where the ceremony takes place. As part of the event, the Belchertown Community Band plays various marches and patriotic melodies. 

  Area businesses that helped support the 2003 event included: From Belchertown: Belland Hudson Insurance Agency, Hawley's Family Restaurant, Kristina's Bakery; From Ware: Big Y Supermarket, Country Bank for Savings, Friendly Restaurant, and WalMart. Thanks to all these supporters for helping make the event successful and the refreshments possible. 

(click image for a larger version)

Early arrivals socialize Elizabeth Peirce and Joe Bruce March step-off

Early arrivals
enjoy socializing
and refreshments

SRVHS president
Elizabeth Peirce
and former resident
Joe Bruce

March Step-off

Memorial Wreaths Charles Thresher is escorted by Bill Czerwonka and Dan Miron Fred

Memorial wreaths

Former Greenwich resident
Charles Thresher
is escorted by
Bill Czerwonka and
Dan Miron during
wreath placement

March participant
Fred "Spunker" Hagman

Elaine Pope and Katherine Reed Bill Bowen & Ed Lofland Commencement of Ceremonies at the Monuments

Elaine Pope and former
Dana resident Katherine Reed

Bill Bowen, Commander of
Chauncey D. Walker Post
#239, American Legion,
with its past Commander
Ed Lofland, former
Swift River Valley resident

Commencement of Ceremonies
at the Monuments

Historical Society Banners Belchertown Community Band plays a March

Historical Societies march
with their banners and
participate in the ceremonies

The Belchertown Community Band
plays a March as part
of the program

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