For many of us, Memorial Day Weekend means Picnics and BBQ's, but cities and towns throughout The Berkshires remember to take time to honor those who lost their lives serving our country, the true meaning behind the holiday.

The City of Pittsfield’s annual Memorial Day Procession will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, May 28. It will start from City Hall on Fenn Street and the group will proceed to North Street, and head north to Wahconah St. and then to Pittsfield Cemetery. The procession will feature the Berkshire Veterans Coalition, members of the Pittsfield City Council, high school marching bands, Boy and Girl Scout troops, color guards, honor guards, local students, and a host of volunteers.

A ceremony will follow at 9:45 a.m. at the cemetery, with Mayor Linda Tyer providing opening remarks, followed by keynote speaker Fran Tremblay, Commander, James E. Callahan Berkshire Chapter No. 65 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. The event will include a reading of the names of the nearly 200 Pittsfield veterans who have passed away over the last year.

Please note that in case of inclement weather, the exercises will begin at 10 a.m. at Morningside Community School, 100 Burbank St. Stay tuned to local radio stations and Pittsfield Community Television (PCTV) for information pertaining to weather-related updates.

Listed below are other municipalities in the county who provided their observances to The Berkshire Eagle.

ADAMS

Parade will step off at 10 a.m. in front of the Adams Memorial School at the corner of Columbia and Valley streets. Veterans from all eras are encouraged to participate; arrive by 9:30 a.m. for placement. Vehicles will be provided for those unable to march.

BECKET

Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at the North Becket Cemetery. Lineup starts at 10 a.m. A memorial ceremony with music by the Becket Praise Team follows the parade at 11 a.m. at Ballou Memorial Park. The parade will include the Nessacus Middle School Band, Scouts, antique cars, and Becket Police, Fire and Ambulance departments.

CHESHIRE

Parade begins at 1 p.m. at the Community/Senior Center, 119 School St., turning onto Church Street at the Veterans Memorial for a wreath placement and moment of silence, continuing to Depot, Dean, Richmond, and South streets, and up West Mountain Road to Cheshire Cemetery for a ceremony. In honor of the town's 225th anniversary, a flyover by the Massachusetts Air National Guard 104th Fighter Wing is scheduled between 1 and 1:30 p.m.

HINSDALE

Parade at 11:45 a.m. from Maple Street Cemetery proceeding to Taylor Street, Main Street, across the bridge, and ending at the Hinsdale Library and War Monument on Maple Street for a short program on the Library lawn. Memorial wreaths will be placed on the monument. The Rev. Christopher Malatesta is master of ceremonies. Peter Blake will deliver the keynote address. Readings by Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Rain cancels the parade and the ceremony will move to the Congregational Church on Maple Street.

LANESBOROUGH

Parade at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 27, from the Olde Forge Tavern to Center Cemetery for a ceremony.

LENOX

Parade begins at noon at Church on the Hill off Main Street. Guest speaker is retired U.S. Army Major General George W.S. "Steve" Read, a 1966 graduate of Lenox High School. Weather permitting, there will be a flyover. If the weather is poor, the ceremony will be moved to the Town Hall auditorium, 6 Walker St. Veterans wishing to march in the parade or ride in a vehicle are asked to arrive at the Church on the Hill by 11:45 a.m.

LENOX DALE

Parade sponsored by the Lenox Dale Fire Company will begin at 8 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park on Walker Street. The march will proceed to St. Vincent dePaul Church for a Mass for deceased and living veterans at 8:30 a.m. The Rev. Monsignor John Bonzagni, pastor, will officiate. Following the Mass, the parade will continue through the village ending at Veterans Memorial Park where concluding services will be held.

NORTH ADAMS

Parade at 9:30 a.m. from the American Legion concluding at the Veterans Honor Roll for the ceremony. Participants are asked to meet at 9 a.m. at the American Legion, 91 American Legion Drive.

RICHMOND

Parade begins at 8 a.m. at Richmond Consolidated School, 1831 State Road, Route 41. Observances include a tribute to Col. David A. Reynolds, 93, of Richmond, a veteran of the Iwo Jima battle of World War II; a color guard performance, and an Air Force F-15 flyover at 9 a.m., weather permitting. Guests include former Gov. Deval Patrick and his wife, Diane; U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield; and state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox, as well as other dignitaries and town officials.

STOCKBRIDGE

Cemetery ceremonies at 11 a.m. include benediction and taps for veterans and a riverside ceremony for those who died at sea. Participants will meet at 10:45 a.m. at the Old Town Hall, with transportation to the cemeteries available. The parade begins at 12:15 p.m. from Town Offices, 50 Main St. All veterans, with or without uniforms, are encouraged to ride. Call 413-298-3261 for transportation. The memorial program at 12:45 p.m. at old Town Hall includes speakers and music by the Berkshire Hillsmen. The annual community potluck picnic follows on the Town Green. Hot dogs and soda will be provided; side dishes, salads and desserts are needed. Information or donations: Tim Minkler at 413-644-3590.

WEST STOCKBRIDGE

A parade sponsored by American Legion Post 254 begins at 10 a.m. on Main Street. Veterans ceremonies will be conducted at three locations along the route: Williams River Bridge; the canon on Route 102; and Town Hall on Route 102. Observances include readings of the Gettysburg Address, "In Flanders Fields" and "America's Answer."

WILLIAMSTOWN

The Williamstown American Legion's Memorial Day Parade will start at 10 a.m. at the bottom of Spring Street, ending at Field Park where a ceremony will take place. Refreshments will follow at the Post Home, 173 Water St.

 

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