Each year the Friends of Quabbin, in collaboration with the Metropolitan District Commission, the Belchertown Veterans Council and area Historical Societies, sponsors Memorial Day Services at the Quabbin Park Cemetery the Sunday before Memorial Day. In addition to traditional Memorial Day Services that honor Veterans and recognize the supreme sacrifice made by soldiers, the ceremony also recognizes the former towns of the Swift River Valley; Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott, and the residents who gave up their land for the Quabbin Reservoir project. 

  The event begins at 10:00 AM with refreshments donated by local businesses. At 11:00, the March Step-off commences in front of the Cemetery Administration Building which includes Veterans organizations, local Historical Societies and former residents and descendants. The procession marches around to the cemetery to the monuments, where the ceremony takes place. As part of the event, the Belchertown Community Band plays various marches and patriotic melodies. 

  Area businesses that helped support the 2003 event included: From Belchertown: Belland Hudson Insurance Agency, Hawley’s Family Restaurant, Kristina’s Bakery; From Ware: Big Y Supermarket, Country Bank for Savings, Friendly Restaurant, and WalMart. Thanks to all these supporters for helping make the event successful and the refreshments possible. 

Click on a picture to begin an interactive gallery show. Use the arrows on the screen or your keyboard to change pictures. Click outside of a picture to exit the show.