Memorial Day parade plans are under way

Memorial Day, the day when patriotic Americans line the streets of cities and towns across this great nation to watch parades honoring those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. It is a day of pride, but also a day of sadness, sadness for the families who lost a loved one in one of the wars, sadness for those who have family members fighting in the Middle East and sadness when we realize some of the vets who marched last year are no longer with us or are no longer able to take part in the parade due to physical incapacities.The parade committee, once again chaired by USMC veteran Raymond Tobiassen, is working diligently to line up organizations and individuals who want to take part in this year’s festivities. The 2015 theme is “Honor and Remember.” The committee is looking for as many groups as possible to prepare floats for the parade, organize marching teams that will help show support for all military services and veterans from past conflicts. Anyone with interest or to request an application should contact Raymond Tobiassen at 203-762 8841. As the parade committee receives no funding from the town, donations from businesses and private citizens are most welcome and these can be mailed to Wilton Memorial Day Parade Committee, P. O. Box 75, Wilton, CT 06897.The parade, led by Grand Marshall George Voss, veteran of U. S. Navy, will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at 21 River Road and proceed through Wilton Center, past the Veterans Memorial Green, Old Town Hall the Wilton Congregational Church and end at Hillside Cemetery. Living and deceased veterans will be honored through speeches, music and song. This year’s chaplain will be the Rev. Dr. Arnold I. Thomas of the Wilton Congregational Church and the keynote speaker will be Navy veteran Jack Majeski, managing director of the Wilton CERTFor veterans who would like to be part of the parade but are unable to walk the route, the Glen Gate Company has graciously loaned one of their flatbed trailers so non-walkers may be seated. Please be at the staging area at 9 a.m.

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