Press Release  Navy Week Proclamation Ceremony Announced for Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, MA – As part of the upcoming Connecticut River Valley Navy Week celebrations from September 22nd to September 28th, the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach, National Park Service, and the Massachusetts Office of the Veteran Advocate have announced an official proclamation ceremony to be held at the historic Springfield Armory.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 24ᵗʰ, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

WHERE: Springfield Armory National Historic Site, 1 Armory Street #2, Springfield, MA 01105

The proclamation reading aims to launch Navy Week’s outreach initiatives in the region, celebrating and honoring the Navy’s rich heritage in New England. The ceremony is open to the public, with members of the news media welcome to attend.

The ceremony will begin with the presentation of colors and opening remarks by Mayor Dominic Sarno, who will present the proclamation on behalf of the City of Springfield. Remarks from the Commonwealth’s Veteran Advocate, Colonel (Ret.) Bob Notch, and the keynote speaker from the U.S. Navy and Agawam, MA native, CAPT Jennifer McGuire Haveman, will follow the official proclamation reading. The National Park Service will offer a guided tour of the Springfield Armory Historic Site following the conclusion of the ceremony.

This event is being held in collaboration with the U.S. Navy’s Office of Community Outreach, U.S. National Park Service, Massachusetts Office of the Veteran Advocate, City of Springfield, Western Massachusetts Veterans’ Service Officer Association, Blue Star Families of New England, and VOICE.

Navy Week brings Sailors, naval capabilities, and mission insights directly to communities across America. Since 2005, more than 100 markets have participated, and this inaugural Navy Week in the Hartford–Springfield region aims to celebrate our shared heritage and the Navy’s 250- year journey. Other event highlights for Navy Week include:

• Navy Week 2025 kickoff event held at The Big E’s Storrowton Gazebo on September 22ⁿᵈ, at 10am, with performances from the U.S. Navy’s Ceremonial Guard Drill Team and a swearing-in ceremony with local future Sailors;
• Appearances from Sailors representing regional namesake submarines such as USS Hartford and USS Connecticut;
• Live performances by the U.S. Navy Band Northeast;
• Interactive exhibits by the Naval History and Heritage Command and USS Constitution, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard Drill Team demonstrations, and career and STEM outreach from Sailors across the fleet.
   

###