Memorial Day isa time to reflect on the contributions of those who served in the military in times of war and made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of our country.
It is a solemn and moving occasion, because it is a time for us to honor the fallen who served in all armed conflicts, at all moments in our history. We also honor their families, many of whom are members of our communities. They deserve our respect and thanks for the enormity of their sacrifice.
This year, it’s especially noteworthy that we are commemorating the centennial of the United States’ entry on April 6, 2017 into World War One. It was a war that changed the face of the world, and even of Connecticut, which made significant contributions to the war effort. Members of more than 4 million American families served in uniform during the Great War, about 1.2 million saw combat, and more than 116,000 of them died. More than 133,000 men and women from Connecticut served in the military, about 63,000 of them served in Europe, and about 1,100 lost their lives.
If you’re interested in learning more about this important time in our history and the role Connecticut played, the Connecticut World War One Centennial Committee and the Connecticut State Library have organized a full program of events around the state. You can read more about it here. More information about World War One and the participation of the United States is available from the United States World War One Centennial Commission here.
OBSERVANCES IN OUR TOWNS
Norwalk: The annual Norwalk Memorial Day Parade steps off from Veteran's Park, 42 Seaview Avenue, at 10 am and will proceed across Van Zant Street and up East Ave. to the Town Green.
Westport: Westport's Memorial Day Parade begins at 9 am at Saugatuck Elementary School on Riverside Avenue. Memorial services will be held on Veterans’ Green immediately following the parade. In case of inclement weather, a ceremony will be held in the Town Hall Auditorium.
Wilton: The day begins with a pancake breakfast held by the Wilton Kiwanis from 8am to 10am at the Wilton Congregational Church. Wilton's Memorial Day Parade steps off at 10 am, starting at 21 River Road and proceeds through Wilton Center to Hillside Cemetery on Ridgefield Road, where the Town’s annual commemorative ceremony will take place following the parade. The 11th Annual Nick Madaras Memorial Day Challenge, a free soccer event named for one of Wilton’s fallen veterans and honoring all fallen members of our country’s military, will be held on Kristine Lilly Field at Wilton High School immediately after the Town’s official events.
My best to you and your family for this Memorial Day, and I hope to see many of you as we gather in our towns to honor our fallen veterans.