WESTFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - People came together to honor the 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Yankee Division, and the Massachusetts National Guard.

The annual event, called Apremont Day and marked the anniversary of the 104th Infantry Regiment being awarded by the French goverment for their actions in World War I.

Western Mass News spoke with Chapter Commander Brian Willette of the YDVA about the significance of telling these stories every year, “passing this on to the youth and the new generation is the most important work/ we know the story we recite it every year it’s not like it’s new to us but it’s important to say every year it’s important to talk about the service and sacrifice of our soldiers. But to have the youth involved is a very special plus, they need to know these stories as well for their development.”

The 104th Infantry Regiment was the first American unit ever to be awarded a foreign decoration.