Headstone Cleanings- October 18 & November 3, 2025

Sincere appreciation is extended to the dedicated volunteers who participated in cleaning headstones at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam. This initiative served as a meaningful tribute to veterans and offered comfort to their families in advance of Veterans Day.

During the two recent cleaning events, the four cemetery sections requiring the most attention were addressed, encompassing a total of 2,449 headstones, a significant proportion of the 9,392 headstones currently cared for on the grounds.

On October 18th, more than 30 volunteers contributed their efforts, representing organizations including the Longmeadow Key Club, Chicopee High School (Jr. ROTC, Key Club), Chicopee Comprehensive High School (Key Club, NHS, VASC), as well as members of the Friends of the MA Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam.

Continuing this important work, 35 volunteers from Pope Francis, together with additional members of the Friends group, participated in the cleaning event on November 3rd, despite chilly weather conditions.

Headstone cleaning activities are scheduled to resume when warmer temperatures return in the spring.

The photos below showcase volunteers engaged in their work during both events, as well as the impressive improvements achieved. Check out the before and after images below!

October 18th photos:

An example of the before and after results:

Members of the grounds crew ensured the cleaning process was followed correctly.

November 3rd:

A cemetery visitor, touched by the students tending the stones, paused to thank them.

Before examples:

After: