Thousands participated in Memorial Day events in Ludlow, Hampden and East Longmeadow.
Sgt. Joshua D. Desforges, USMC.Members of the family of Marine Sgt. Joshua D. Desforges, who was killed in action in Afghanistan three weeks ago, attended the Memorial Day parade on Monday in Ludlow wearing T-shirts in his honor, said Donald J. Couture, Ludlow Director of Veterans Services.
They were joined by a crowd of 1,500 to 2,000 spectators on the parade route and about 200 people who attended ceremonies at the town gazebo, Couture said.
"The crowd was great, the weather was great," Couture said.
Arthur A. Booth, parade coordinator for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9397 in Hampden said about 2,000 spectators attended Hampden
"I think people are beginning to recognize the meaning of Memorial Day as more of a solemn holy day," Booth said.
Brian V. Tidlund, commander of American Legion Post 293 in East Longmeadow, said 100 to 150 people either marched in or watched the East Longmeadow parade.
"East Longmeadow has always been behind the veterans," he said.