On Memorial Day, people line the streets of cities and towns across this nation to watch parades honoring those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. It is a day of sadness, for the families who lost a loved one in war, for those who have family members away from home fighting abroad, and when we realize that some of the vets who marched last year are no longer with us or able to take part in the parade due to injury. But it is also a day of pride.
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 seeking groups to prepare floats for the parade and organize marching teams, to help show support for all military services and veterans from past conflicts. To find out more or to request an application, contact Tobiassen at 203.762.8841.
As the parade committee receives no funding from the town, organizers welcome donations from businesses and private citizens. Contributions 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. on Monday, May 25 at 21 River Rd. and will proceed through Wilton Center, past the Veterans Memorial Green, Old Town Hall, and the Wilton Congregational Church, and will end up at the 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 CERT.
For Veterans who would like to be part of the parade but are unable to walk the route, the Glen Gate Company will graciously loan one of their flatbed trailers so that non-walkers can be seated during the parade. Please be at the staging area at 9 a.m..