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05/19/2015 05:30 PM

Guilford Veterans Invited to March in Memorial Day Parade


The VFW Post 7666, along with American Legion Post 48, are seeking veterans and active-duty service members to march in the 2015 Memorial Day parade, which is Monday, May 25, beginning at 10 a.m.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War with a nationwide effort to commemorate the war being made. Larry Santamaria, a Vietnam veteran who served with the U.S. Marine Corps and is current commander of VFW Post 7666, wants to bring the commemoration efforts to Guilford.

“I am trying to get as many Vietnam vets as I can to come out and march,” said Santamaria. “Afterwards, we’ll have a ceremony with a recognition for the Vietnam War veterans. Because they weren’t exactly welcomed home with open arms, it’s hard to get them to come out sometimes, but it’s important that they’re recognized and have people thank them for their service to their country.”

In addition to commemorating the Vietnam War, the names of Guilford residents lost during the country’s wars will be read. This year, eight names that were inadvertently omitted will also be added to the Civil War monument (see “Forgotten Civil War Soldiers Receive Belated Recognition” on page 12).

In addition to veterans and active-duty service members, the Guilford Memorial Day parade usually features members of the National Guard, groups from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as several school bands.

“We usually have a pretty good crowd, and as far as marching units, we do the best we can,” said Santamaria, who has been involved in the Memorial Day events for more than 35 years. “It’s not so much about focusing on the parade, but rather remembering those who have left us and honoring the sons of Guilford we have lost in the wars.”

Santamaria also just received word that the town will get a flyover between 10 and 11 a.m., something that hasn’t happened for three or four years due to federal budget sequesters.

This year’s parade will begin at Alderbrook Cemetery with an opening ceremony and proceed to the Guilford Green where the traditional Memorial Day presentation will take place at the bandstand. Those marching should begin lining up at Alderbrook Cemetery at 9:30 a.m.

For information or to sign up to participate, contact VFW Commander Larry Santamaria at 203-535-6640.