Massachusetts VFW Honor Guard to march in virtual inauguration parade

CHICOPEE, Mass. — The Massachusetts Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard will participate in Wednesday’s inaugural “Parade Across America.”

But, they will march virtually.

>> Joe Biden Inauguration: Schedule of events

“It’s a big honor. It’s on the highest level when you’re talking about an inauguration,” said Brian Willette.

Willette is a U.S. Army Purple Heart Recipient who was wounded in Afghanistan in 2010. He and the honor guard regularly march in parades and often perform at T.D. Garden and Fenway Park, but Willette said nothing quite compares to an inauguration.

“We do travel. We do a number of high-profile events, but this is the highest, most high-profile event that we’ve had,” he said.

Rene Fuertes, from Randolph, served in the U.S. Navy for 16-and-a-half years. He said marching in the inaugural parade is the ultimate privilege.

>> INAUGURATION EXPLAINER: Biden’s event will be very different

“Being a member of the honor guard, we are representing all the VFW members and auxiliary and that’s something I take a lot of pride in. I am so honored to be part of history,” he said.

The five honor guard members, who all served in Iraq or Afghanistan, will honor our nation’s history by wearing World War II uniforms to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the ending of the war.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they will not travel to Washington, D.C. Instead, they recorded several videos at a park in Chicopee that will air during the parade.

“We only found out two days ago we were in this thing. We did not know how many other units were competing for this position and we won’t know, but I bet they are probably still tweaking this video,” Willette said.

The parade will air around 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.

Only one group in each state and territory was chosen to participate.

>> Veterans helping veterans get their independence back

Cox Media Group