Branford Memorial Day Parade Slated for Monday Morning, May 28th

BRANFORD, CT - Branford’s Memorial Day Parade will step off from the Town Green at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 28th. The opening ceremonies will be followed by a parade at 10:30 down Main Street.

Memorial Day events actually begin hours earlier, at 6:45 a.m., with visits to honor the military at rest at each of the town's seven cemeteries.

Each visit inlcudings lowering of the flag to half mast, playing taps and firing squad salute. The visits begin with Center Cemetery, followed by St. Agnes, Tabor, St. Mary's, Damascus, Mill Plain and Stony Creek cemeteries.

Following the cemetery visits, veterans will gather on Monotowese Street at the Hubbard Bridge at 9:15 a.m. A wreath will be laid on the waters of the Branford River, with national anthem and naval hymn performed by the Branford High School band.

Master of Ceremonies Army Captain Vince Giordano will introduce this year's group of six Parade Marshals, each a decorated World War II veteran and Branford resident. The 2018 Branford Memorial Day Parade Marshals are: Ira Lewis, 97, U.S. Army; Grant Briggs, 91, U.S. Army; Bill Brody, 98, U.S. Air Force; Donald Robinson, 91, U.S. Army (WWII and Korean War); Vincent Thomas, 92, U.S. Navy and Stan Petela, 95, Air Force. (See related document for photo and more information on each WWII veteran).