SOUTH DEERFIELD — VFW Post 3295 is sponsoring a free walk to honor veterans Sunday, starting at noon from the South County Senior Center.
The post represents Sunderland, Deerfield and Whately in military burials and events in the region. The post is specifically for people who have served in combat.
“It’s something new, we’ve never done this before, but we know that walks are very popular,” said Jim Ross, junior vice commander for the post.
In front of the senior center, walkers will be given a placard on which they can write a veteran’s name — of a family member, friend, or historical figure. With the name, Ross said the placard will display the service member’s branch of service and the campaign in which they participated
The walk will be two miles long, starting and ending at the Senior Center. Walkers will head down Main Street to the Brookside Cemetery, then down Porter, West and Sugarloaf Streets before returning to the Senior Center.
“It’s in conjunction with Veterans Day, which is the 11th,” Ross continued. “It’s to honor an individual who has served. And that’s what Veterans Day is all about. It’s not like Memorial Day, which is only for those who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice, this is for every veteran.”
While the event is free and open to the public, Ross said there’ll be a collection place where people can donate directly to charities, if they wish.
You can reach Andy Castillo
at: acastillo@recorder.com
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On Twitter: @AndyCCastillo