Branford’s Veterans Parade Committee has selected Ray Ingraham as Grand Marshal of Branford’s 2024 Memorial Day Parade, which will step off on Main Street in downtown Branford on Monday, May 27.

Branford’s Memorial Day events will include a ceremonial program to remember fallen veterans, to be held at 10 a.m. on the Branford green, followed by the parade stepping off at approximately 10:30 a.m. As Grand Marshal, Ingraham will give the ceremony’s keynote address and will lead the parade.

An Air Force veteran, Ingraham is a member of Branford American Legion Post 83 and a member the Branford Veterans Parade Committee. Ingraham has resided in Branford since 1986.

Ingraham enlisted in the Air Force via early enlistment at age 17 in 1979. He attended basic training in August, 1980 at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and went on to complete Computer Operations school at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi in 1981.

From 1981 to 1983, Ingraham was a Tactical Systems Operator in the Tactical Systems Interoperability and Support Center, while stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia, which served as the Air Force’s Tactical Air Command Headquarters.

During the Iran-Iraq war, Ingraham was deployed twice to Riyadh Saudi Arabia, supporting Operation ELF One, a military training mission to Saudi forces. He earned the Air Force Accommodation and Outstanding Unit Medals for actions during those tours.

From 1983 to 1986, Ingraham was stationed at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware with the 436 Communications Squadron. He served as NCO Computer Operations supervisor, and also supported, as needed, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations.

Ingraham’s wife, MaryJane, is member of Branford’s Crowley family, which has been in town since 1895. The Ingrahams have three daughters, who all attended Branford Public Schools, and eight grandchildren.

Ingraham has had lengthy involvement with his community. He served with the Indian Neck Improvement Association day committee including terms as president, and vice-president. Ingraham served as vice president of the Branford Sports Council for three years. An assistant coach of Walsh Intermediate Field Hockey and Assistant Coach of Branford High School Field Hockey, Ingraham was a founding member and president of the Branford Friends of Field Hockey for 15 years. As a founding member of the Branford High School Softball Booster Club, Ingraham also served as club president two years. He served with Branford Girls Softball for 24 years, including as a coach and vice-president and as president for 12 years.

Ingraham’s seven years of involvement with the Branford Festival include serving as Operations Committee chairman and 2008 Festival Chairman. He also served as vice-president of Festival Corporation.

Ingraham has been a member of the Republican Town Committee since 2009, for which he was elected chair in 2010.

As an elected official, Ingraham is currently serving District 5 as a Republican member of Branford Representative Town Meeting (RTM). Ingraham was first elected to the RTM in 2011 has served consecutive terms including his current 2023-2025 term. Ingraham served as RTM majority leader from 2013 to 2023.

In January, 2024, Ingraham announced his candidacy as the Republican candidate in the upcoming November, 2024 election for Branford’s 102nd District State Representative in Connecticut’s General Assembly.

Ingraham is also a member of Branford Elks Lodge #1939 and a long serving member of the Branford Fireworks Committee. Additionally, he served on the advisory board to the Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance.