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, 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 and around 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.
Waterford
Agent Orange Memorial Ceremony
Saturday, May 26th at 11:00 a.m.
The unveiling will be presented by the Waterford VFW Post 6543 and Auxiliary at the Waterford Town Hall, 15 Rope Ferry Road.
Bozrah
Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Park
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 28th at 1:00 p.m.
Begins at Schwartz Road and ends at the Moose Lodge on Fitchville Road.
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.
Begins 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.
New London
Memorial Day Candelight Vigil
Sunday, May 27th at 7:30 p.m.
The city’s 11th annual memorial vigil will be held at the Parade Plaza on Water Street.
Mystic
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 28th at 2:00 p.m.
The parade will travel down Water, Pear and Gravel Streets, followed by a memorial ceremony at the VFW home post at 60 Stonington Road.