3:40 Memorial Day commemorations in western Massachusetts began today in Springfield where caution was observed as the transition begins to full reopening from the pandemic. The ceremony had a short speaking program followed by a procession of dignitaries and the laying of wreaths at the veterans’ monuments located in Court Square. The number of participants this year was limited to a few elected officials and representatives from veterans’ organizations. There was a combined honor guard from the Springfield Police and Fire departments. Mayor Domenic Sarno said the city was proud and honored to hold the ceremony. We are reopening. We want to do it smart, Sarno said. We have to make sure that we always remember and never forget our veterans and their families who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.
Power to the people: Springfield bill seeks special elections to fill City Council ward seat vacancies
Updated 3:09 PM;
Today 3:09 PM
State senator Adam Gomez (right) gives his father Gumersindo Gomez (left) a hug after swearing him in as Ward 1 city councilor in March, 2021, filling Adam Gomez vacant seat. The council is seeking state approval of a new special election system to fill future ward seat vacancies. (Hoang Leon Nguyen / The Republican)
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SPRINGFIELD Two home rule bills are slated for consideration by the state Legislature this year, including one that would require special elections in Springfield to fill future City Council vacancies and one cracking down on illegal fireworks.
By ELIZABETH ROMÁN | masslive.com | Published: April 13, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Tribune News Service) Harrowing memories of friends dying, hungry Korean children begging for food and brutal physical combat still haunt Victor M. Rosario 70 years after his service in the Korean War. “I remember a tall man coming to me and saying stop feeding the enemy, we can’t help the enemy, but it was a child and he kept saying he was hungry,” recalled the now 97-year-old Rosario. While he has moments in which he fades off and repeats the same phrases over and over, Rosario still vividly remembers his wartime service as a member of the Army’s renowned 65th Infantry Regiment knowns as “Los Borinqueneers.”
By ELIZABETH ROMÁN | masslive.com | Published: April 13, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Tribune News Service) Harrowing memories of friends dying, hungry Korean children begging for food and brutal physical combat still haunt Victor M. Rosario 70 years after his service in the Korean War. “I remember a tall man coming to me and saying stop feeding the enemy, we can’t help the enemy, but it was a child and he kept saying he was hungry,” recalled the now 97-year-old Rosario. While he has moments in which he fades off and repeats the same phrases over and over, Rosario still vividly remembers his wartime service as a member of the Army’s renowned 65th Infantry Regiment knowns as “Los Borinqueneers.”
Legislation passed earlier this year designated April 13 as National Borinqueneers Day. The Puerto Rican men who served in the U.S. military during the wars were nicknamed “Los Borinqueneers.”