BY FIRST SELECTMAN TIMOTHY M. HERBST
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE – MAY 31, 2010
First Selectman Timothy M. Herbst has joined with the VFW Post 10059 and American Legion Post 141 in the planning of this year’s Memorial Day Parade. The parade is slated for May 31, 2010.
Our parade is an event made possible by the partnership of our two Veterans’ Organizations in conjunction with our Town departments, a cadre of resident volunteers, emergency services, youth and civic organizations and performing marching bands.
This year we are planning to hold the Memorial Day Ceremony at the beginning of the parade. It will be on the Town Hall lawn at 12:30 p.m. with special thanks to all our veterans in all past and present wars. The parade will start at 2:00 p.m. at Marisa's Restaurant on Main Street.
Last year’s Memorial Day Parade was a beautiful day for a parade. Our veterans were joined by military units including a jet fly-over, marching bands from around the region including our Trumbull High School Golden Eagle Marching Band and the Madison Jr. High School Band. Residents and neighbors crowded Main Street from Long Hill Green to the Town Hall.
We are hoping to have additional school bands in this year’s parade. Committee member, Carolyn Kalahar (203-452-9026) will coordinate this effort with our public and private schools.
Once again a patriotic parade “theme” contest was held and the winning entry chosen was that of Holly Caldwell. Holly is a 4th grade student at Frenchtown Elementary School. Her entry titled; “Our Flag Was Still There” was chosen for this year’s theme of the Memorial Day Parade.
We would again like to invite all elementary schools, civic organizations, fire companies and scout troops to consider entering a float in the parade this year. Those wishing to enter a float may sign-up with Committee member Carolyn Kalahar (203 -452-9026) or Jayne Bolton (203-459-1922).
All scouting troops, as well as sports league team members, must be in uniform in order to march this year. We will ask each group to have appropriate standard bearers identifying individual units or sections. Committee member Jayne Bolton (203-452-9794) will coordinate the scouts and sports leagues. These groups will assemble at the Long Hill Administration Building and enter the parade from that point.
Mr. Herbst has asked parade participants to please contact his office as soon as possible with your plans for this year’s parade. Please call Town Hall at 203-453-5005 to make your reservation for a spot in the parade.
To avoid injuries to participants and spectators, the Committee and the Police Department are informing all participants marching or on floats that there is absolutely no throwing of candy, beads or any objects to the observers, nor should observers throw any items to the marchers or float participants.
Mr. Herbst is looking forward to this, his first Memorial Day Parade as First Selectman. Mr. Herbst hopes it will be the best yet. The Committee is looking forward to this exciting time of patriotic feelings, soaring flags, and heart-felt prayers for our servicemen and the wish for peace around the world.