The Friends Volunteer Spotlight- October 2026

Edward and Cindy were awarded the Friends October 2026 Volunteer Spotlight!

Honoring two dedicated volunteers who make a difference!

The Friends of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam is proud to recognize Ed and Cindy as our Spotlighted Volunteers!

Since becoming involved with the Friends in 2019 through Wreaths Across America, Ed and Cindy have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to honoring our veterans, supporting their families, and making our organization stronger.

Their dedication goes far beyond simply showing up to volunteer. They are constantly thinking of new ways to support the Friends, improve our programs, and make a meaningful

difference. You can find them lending a hand at nearly every event, always willing to do whatever is needed.

Ed, a former President of the Friends, has made several lasting contributions to our organization. One of his most meaningful initiatives was establishing our unattended veterans service notification program. After witnessing a veteran's chapel service where no family members were present, Ed recognized an opportunity to ensure that no veteran would be laid to rest without someone there to honor their service. Through this program, Friends members and volunteers will be notified when a veteran's service has no family members available to attend, giving them the opportunity to be present and pay their respects.

Ed was also instrumental in bringing the fountain outside the cemetery chapel to completion, a beautiful and lasting addition to the cemetery grounds.

And of course, we cannot recognize Cindy without mentioning her wonderful homemade baked goods! Whether it's a volunteer event, headstone cleaning, or a general membership meeting, Cindy frequently arrives with delicious treats to share.

Together, Ed and Cindy are the kind of volunteers every organization hopes to have. They don't wait to be asked; they see a need and step forward. Their generosity, creativity, and

willingness to help have made a lasting impact on the Friends and the cemetery community.

We asked Ed and Cindy questions about their volunteer time with the Friends.  You can read their responses below:

When and how did you get involved with The Friends organization?

We got involved with The Friends in 2019.  We helped put out wreaths for Wreaths across America and I found out about the Friends and we became involved.

What attracted you to the cause and the Friends organization?

We have multiple people buried at the cemetery and what better way to honor them and all the veterans.  We wanted to give back to the families that gave up a lot to have their loved ones in the service of the United States.

What type of  activities do you do with the Friends and what do they involve?

We have been involved with Wreaths Across America since 2019. We volunteer to put out wreaths, and then to assist in taking them off on the correct day.  Since joining the Friends I have been a bus ambassador the past few years.  

We also put flags out and then a week later return to take them off the gravestones.

I joined the board of directors and assisted with running events that were needed to have helpers.  This included the yearly fundraising event at the Sons of Erin in Westfield.  

We have also been involved with cleaning of the headstones.  Here we invite local groups to assist with getting the moss and debris off stones with the help of the cemetery grounds crew.  Cindy has baked for each of these events and the high school students really enjoy having home made goodies as rewards along with the knowledge that they are cleaning, honoring and preserving the headstones.  Cindy also assists in providing snacks for the general meetings when she has time.  

I was at the Cemetery while there was a service for a veteran, who did not have family locally.  I was impressed how the staff of the cemetery stayed during the service so that the veteran was not forgotten.  It was then, as president of the Friends that we developed an email list of all volunteers who would be willing if available to attend any service that did not have family members.

If you could describe your volunteering experience in just three words, what would they be?

Most rewarding feeling.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with us but hasn't taken the plunge yet?

I would say that you will not regret one moment of your time volunteering.  You will find the best staff at the cemetery, and all volunteers are there for the best reasons - to honor their friends and family that are buried at the cemetery.

Thank you Ed and Cindy!!!