(WWLP- Kaylee Collins) A ceremony was held in West Springfield Monday morning to celebrate a portion of Route 20 in Massachusetts being designated as the ‘Medal of Honor Highway.’
The Medal of Honor Highway stretches over 3,000 miles across the U.S. from Oregon to Massachusetts.
Legislation sponsored by Senator John Velis and Senator Jake Oliveira pushed for the Commonwealth to be added to the list of states to designate this portion of highway as the Medal of Honor Highway. Monday’s ceremony coincided with the celebration of National Medal of Honor Day.
22News spoke with Jeffrey Zaleski, a member of the West Springfield American Legion Post 207 about what this honor means, “It’s very important because the medal of honor winners paid a lot, there was a lot of sacrifice and dedication for what they’ve done. Most of them didn’t make it out alive. It’s very important that we continue to pay forward respect and never forget.”
Among those in attendance at the ceremony were Senator John Velis and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt.
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in combat here in the United States.