Posted on May 25, 2018
As we head into Memorial Day weekend, let us remember that this is a time to reflect on the service of those who answered our nation’s call in times of armed conflict, and made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure future generations of Americans would remain free.
We commemorate their memories in church services and in visits to their graves. We also enjoy parades, barbecues, picnics and ball games with friends and family. Let us dedicate these celebratory events to those who preserved our freedom, and let us also remember their families who made great sacrifices.
Following the Civil War, Memorial Day was established to honor those who died during the conflict. Major General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, originally proclaimed May 30, 1868 as “Decoration Day.” It was not set aside in anniversary of any particular battle, but rather as a day to decorate the graves of those who died in defense of the nation.
By 1882, this day became more commonly known as “Memorial Day,” and in 1967 it became a federal holiday. The following year, Congress moved the date to the last Monday of May.
Below is a list of some important events happening in our district this weekend to commemorate this patriotic holiday and the heroic actions of those who fought in the name of our freedom.
Thank you, God bless you, and have a great Memorial Day. It is an honor to be your voice at the State Capitol.
East Lyme
Memorial Day Vigil
Sunday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m.
To honor and remember the brave men and women who died while serving in our country will be held on the Niantic Town Green (at the corner of Main St. and Pennsylvania Ave).
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 28th at 2:00 p.m.
The parade will begin near St. John’s Green (across from the Children’s Museum of Southeastern CT) and will proceed down Niantic’s Main Street, ending at the East Lyme Town Hall.The parade celebrates all those who have served in uniform from the American Revolution to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Salem
Memorial Day Breakfast
Monday, May 28th from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
The Congregational Church of Salem
Cost: $7, Children 5 and under are Free. Maximum of $25 per family.
Salem Historical Society’s Annual Strawberry Shortcake Sale
Monday, May 28th, begins at 9:00 a.m.
Salem Town Green
Support the Salem Historical Society with the purchase of an ice cream sundae (courtesy of Salem Valley Ice Cream), coffee or baked good. Baked donations will be happily accepted on Monday morning. The museum will also be open for visits during the day’s Memorial Day festivities.
Salem Volunteer Fire Company Food Drive
Monday, May 28th
Salem Town Green
In honor of the Salem Volunteer Fire Company’s 75th birthday this year, members have decided not to march in the Memorial Day Parade, and instead collect and fill up their ladder truck with non-perishable food items for the Salem Food Bank. Please drop by the Town Green before, during, or after the parade to drop off any donations. For questions, call 860-859-0942.
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 28th at 10:00 a.m.
Begins at the Salem Memorial VFW Post 2774
Includes judging and awarding of decorated units by the Salem Recreation Commission and a musical selection by the East Lyme High School Band.
Memorial Day Service
Monday, May 28th
Begins within 15 minutes of the parade’s completion (will be signaled by the tolling of the Congregational Church of Salem Bell). A copy of the program is available here.