Wally Goodman is Grand Marshal of Ridgefield's Memorial Day Parade, Annual Event Includes Military Flyover

The Memorial Day parade TOMORROW, Monday, May 27th, organized and run by Ridgefield's American Legion Post 78, will step off at 11:30 am at Jesse Lee Church, march down Main Street and conclude in Ballard Park.

The parade will begin with opening remarks and a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument in front of Jesse Lee, including a military honors gun salute and the playing of taps.  

The parade’s Grand Marshal is Walter (Wally) Goodman who is a highly decorated WWII Navy veteran who served extensively in the Pacific during the war. 

The parade features seven marching bands, over fifty organizations and a military flyover. 

At the conclusion of the parade, there is a closing ceremony with patriotic music and short speeches by the Grand Marshal and other Veterans organizations. 

All veterans who don’t belong to a veteran organization are welcome to march with the American Legion marchers.   

Marchers will begin lining up at 10 a.m. on the grounds of Jesse Lee church, located at the corner of Main Street and King Lane.  All vehicles and floats will line up at 9:30 a.m., entering King Lane from High Ridge Avenue. The parade is scheduled to get underway at 11:30 a.m.  King Lane will be a one-way street from 9:30 a.m. until the end of the parade.

Parents of participants may drop off their children in the staging area by entering King Lane from High Ridge only as a participant's drop-off area.  There will be absolutely no parking permitted in the staging area except for authorized vehicles.  American Legion volunteers will be in all areas to ensure that children get to their designated area. Parade floats and vehicles will be directed by Legionnaires to their assigned position.

If your organization would like to participate in the Ridgefield Memorial Day Parade, fill out our online registration and join the fun. Sign up link here.