I would like to inform the people of Madison that due to COVID, the Memorial Day Parade will again not be held this year. However, there will be a ceremony on the Madison Green and a flyover by the Connecticut Air National Guard. The ceremony will take place Monday, May 31 at 11 a.m. sharp on the Madison Green. West Cemetery and West Wharf services will take place this year starting at 9 a.m. We invite residents to come down, but masks will be the order of the day and social distancing will be in place. We moved the ceremony onto the green to allow more people to attend and to distance themselves.

The speaker’s platform will be angled this year to face the monuments during the raising of the flag and laying of the wreaths. A set of bleachers will be reserved for veterans and dignitaries only, so attendees can bring their own chairs. We ask that no chairs be placed until the day of the ceremony due to set up restrictions.

The Daniel Hand High School Band will be set up in a designated area and will be playing additional songs for listeners’ pleasure. Addresses will be given by First Selectman Peggy Lyons, State Senator Christine Cohen, State Representative John Michael Parker, Post 79 Commander Charles Corso, and VFW Post 2096 Commander Lawrence Brundrett.

All veterans are cordially invited to come down to join us. Those who can still get into their old uniform can wear it, or any part of it that they can still fit into. The organizers truly would appreciate their presence. There will be people to help attendees get seated before the ceremony begins. For further information, call Donna Farrell at 203-804-2693. In case of rain, the ceremony will be canceled.

Donna Farrell, Memorial Day Chair

American Legion

Griswold Post 79