Press Release, Branford Veterans Parade Committee

Branford’s annual Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 29, stepping off on Main Street following services on the Branford green at 10 a.m.

Branford’s Veterans Parade Committee will begin the day with ceremonies starting at 6:30 a.m. At the town’s seven cemeteries and monuments, the committee will oversee the laying of wreaths, lowering the flag to half-staff, a rifle salute, and taps. The committee also participates in the Village of Stony Creek service, marching to the Stony Creek Cemetery. In addition, the committee gathers at the Hubbard Bridge on Montowese Street to lay a wreath on the Branford River honoring Navy Veterans. This year, the group will also add a new stop, at the World War II monument at Veterans Memorial Park on Brushy Plain Road.

"We are pleased to continue to have our annual Memorial Day services in remembrance of those that died in service to our country and to honor all those, including many from Branford, who were lost in all wars,“ said Bill O’Brien, committee chairman.

Memorial Day parade marching units gather on the Branford green by 9:45 a.m. for services that begin at 10 a.m. Captain John Fitzgerald, a 25-year veteran of the Coast Guard, now retired, will serve as parade Grand Marshal and give the main address.

The service’s opening invocation and closing benediction will be given by pastor Steve Chamberlain. Lia Whitten will sing the National Anthem. Branford first selectman Jamie Cosgrove will provide greetings. Michael Kinney will recite the Gettysburg Addresss, and Walsh Intermediate School “Thomas Yester Essay Contest” winners will read their selections. Branford Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) commander and American Legion chaplain Elliott Hastings will give the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) address. Sound for the service will be provided by Dennis Nardella.

The service, which will also include musical selections, will conclude with a rifle salute and taps, played by Steve Vacca, who will also play taps at cemetery ceremonies.

The Branford Town Band will provide music on the green during the parade, which will include members of Branford’s Representative Town Meeting, American Legion Post 83, VFW Post 12106, Branford police and fire departments, Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps, Branford High School Band, and the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard. The parade will also feature Town fire apparatus, vintage cars, a Take a Vet Fishing float, a Branford Garden Club float, a military marching unit, scout troops, and members of Branford Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Branford Historical Society and the Columbus Day Committee of Greater New Haven.

In case of inclement weather, the parade ceremonies will be moved to the Branford High School gymnasium, 185 East Main Street, beginning at 10 a.m.