Pappas once served as Ludlow’s interim agent.
Former Palmer veterans' agent, Peter Pappas, left, is seen with state Rep.Thomas M. Petrolati, D- Ludlow, last year. Pappas, who how lives in Ludlow, has been named this year's veteran of the year in Ludlow.
LUDLOW – This year’s veteran of the year is no stranger to the town, despite having spent most of his life in Palmer.
Donald J. Couture, veterans services director, said he knew right away who he would choose for the prestigious honor – Peter E. Pappas.
Because Pappas, 87, has lived at the Keystone Commons assisted living facility for the past year and a half, Couture finally could select him for the award.
Pappas, a World War II veteran, has organized ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, as well as a 9-11 remembrance ceremony, at Keystone, which is home to approximately 30 veterans.
Eleven years ago, Pappas helped the town of Ludlow in another way. When its veterans agent Joseph Alves suddenly passed away, Pappas took over the job for more than a year while he held the same role in Palmer.
“When he moved to Keystone Commons, I said, ‘Here’s a chance to honor someone who’s helped our town, and for everything he’s done at Keystone Commons since he’s been here,’” Couture said.
Pappas was recently hospitalized for an infection and breathing problem and will not be able to attend the Veterans Day ceremony at Keystone that he planned. But in his place will be his daughter, Anita Pappas-Raposa of Agawam, and Couture will be giving her the “veteran of the year” plaque for her father. Pappas-Raposa also will handle the ceremony for her father, who said he wishes he could be there.
Said Couture, “We want him to get better. He’s always been very active with anything to do with the veterans. It gives him something to get up for in the morning. He is one of the ‘greatest generation.’”
Pappas-Raposa said her father has devoted much of his life to the causes and concerns of veterans. She said he is doing well, but is not sure when he will return to Keystone, a place he said he misses and loves.
Maryann Burns, Keystone’s director of marketing, said they are eagerly awaiting his return.
“Every Memorial Day, every Veterans Day, he does it all,” Burns said. “He’s such an asset, he really just is. He’s just got a heart of gold, and he’s a pleasure to be around.
“Boy, does he take this veteran stuff seriously. He plans these wonderful ceremonies and puts so much effort into it. It’s definitely an asset to our community. He acts as master of ceremonies,” she added.
Burns said the events are something to which the residents look forward, as they all hail from the World War II era. She said many of the men are veterans, and the women are widows of veterans. She said Pappas is proud to be able to honor them. This year’s ceremony is at 11 a.m. at Keystone on Thursday, and is open to the public.
Couture said in addition to the plaque, Pappas’ name will be added to the list of veterans of the year at Town Hall.
Pappas said he was surprised when Couture told him he was the veteran of the year. Pappas spent three years in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a gunner on B-24 Liberator bombers and flew in the China-Burma-India theater.
When he retired from the post office, Pappas got the job as Palmer’s veterans agent, which he did for 12½ years until retiring in June 2003. In Palmer, he made a name for himself not only for his work with veterans, but for his countless acts of generosity. Pappas bought hooded pullovers for the Palmer High cheerleaders, and donated $1,000 to help 20 athletes play sports who could not afford a new athletic fee.
“You feel satisfied when you’re helping somebody,” Pappas said.
Pappas said when he got to Keystone, he took the initiative to start the ceremonies, and in a week’s time, also got an American flag and flagpole for the property.
“You just go and do these things,” Pappas said.