Search for The Westfield News
WEATHER TONIGHT
The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
Partly cloudy, showers late. Low of 65.
“Courage
is being scared to death — and saddling up anyway.”
www.thewestfieldnews.com
— JOHN WAYNE
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2015
VOL. 84 NO. 130
75 cents
Threats against airliners prompt searches; all OK
Across nation, veterans’ sacrifices honored
NEW YORK (AP) — Anonymous telephone threats against commercial airliners on Monday, possibly from the same source, caused a scare involving at least six international flights at airports in New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Authorities said the threats did not appear to be credible. They described searches done on the jets as a precaution. In one instance Monday morning, F-15 fighter jets from Barnes airbase escorted an Air France flight into New York City after someone claimed a chemical weapon was aboard the aircraft, the FBI said. “Out of an abundance of caution, Air France flight number 22 was escorted to John F. Kennedy airport by U.S. Air Force fighter jets following a phone threat,” the FBI said in a statement. “There were no incidents or hazards reported on board the flight by either the passengers or its crew. The plane has been cleared.” A Saudi Arabian Airlines flight arriving at Kennedy also was being checked out because of another
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — President Barack Obama saluted Americans who died in battle and made special mention on Memorial Day of the families of lost loved ones “who represent the best of who we are.” In comments at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, Obama said most Americans don’t understand the sacrifice made by the 1 percent of the population that serves in the all-volunteer Armed Forces. But when he meets with “Gold Star” families that have lost loved ones through military service, Obama said he hears “their pride through their tears.” “I see that their hearts are still broken, and yet still full of love,” he said. “They do not ask for awards or honors. They do not ask for special treatment. They are unfailingly humble. In the face of unspeakable loss, they represent the best of who we are.” Obama’s appearance is an annual rite for presidents at the cemetery nestled among hills overlooking the Potomac River. Before his remarks, Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. He bowed his head briefly and listened with
VFW Commander Jim Cortis, second from left, and fellow VFW organized and led the Russell Memorial Day parade on Monday at 2 pm. (Photo by Amy Porter)
RUSSELL
Memorial Day honors fallen By AMY PORTER Correspondent Members of the Russell VFW Post 6645 organized the town’s Memorial Day observance on Monday, beginning with a parade that began at the fire house on Main Street at 2 PM, turned the corner on Route 20, marched to the Russell Cemetery on Old Westfield Road, and back up to Veterans Park on Main Street. Also participating in the parade were members of the Gateway Regional marching band, several community floats, American Legion Post 338 Riders from Southwick, several clas-
sic cars, two horses, the Hilltown Community Ambulance, and several area fire departments including Russell and Blandford. VFW Commander Jim Cortis called to order the observance at the cemetery, which began in a prayer led by Rev. Jim Metcalf of the Russell Community Church. Afterward, VFW member Frederick Benda played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. At the end of the short ceremony, Gateway tenth grader Cami Rock played taps, which were echoed by eighth-grader Grace Lebarron. See Memorial Day, Page 7
See Threats, Page 3
See Veterans, Page 3
Memorial Day Parade
Residents of the Governor’s House line Broad Street with flag in hand. Charlotte Vincze, enjoy the Mayor Dan Knapik walks the parade route. See additional parade. Memorial Day photos on Pages 3, 5, 7, 8.
Westfield Police Department.
Dressing up for Memorial Day are 5 year-old Charlotte Smith and 9 year-old Brie Kelly-Barrett. 2 year-old Josie Gebelt.
ALL PHOTOS BY DON WIELGUS
Donald S. Dorrington, USMC and Iwo Jima survivor was Parade Marshal leading the Memorial Day Parade.
Noble Medical Group and The Noble Health Network | NobleHealthNetwork.com
Expanding to Meet the Needs of Our Community
Noble Primary Care
Arthur King, MD
Elizaveta House, NP
Ira Nathanson, MD
Gary Jacobson, DO
Ramachandran Kuppuswamy, MD
Laura Gioiella, MD
Noble Medical Group is pleased to welcome nine new Physicians and Practitioners, formerly of Hampden County Physician Associates.
Viktoria Madden, PA-C
Serving patients from the following location:
Serving patients from the following location:
800 College Hwy. Southwick, MA (413) 569-2257
57 Union Street, Westfield, MA (413) 572-6050 Michelle Barnett, MD Roger Beneitone, MD