Branford's Memorial Day Parade Is On For 2021

BRANFORD, CT —After having to cancel last year due to the pandemic, the town and the Veterans Parade Committee announced that the Memorial Day Parade is on for 2021.

And while the parade was scuttled in 2020, the town still managed to hold a brief ceremony on Town Green to honor those that were lost. It was the first time the parade had been canceled in recent memory, First Selectman James Cosgrove and Veterans Day Parade Committee Chairman Bill O'Brien snoted.

“We both wanted to have the Memorial Day Parade this year," O'Brien said. “It's a day of remembrance for those that have died in service to the community and we wanted to honor all those, including many from Branford, who were lost in all wars."

Cosgrove felt similarly, he said.

“I feel that it is important to continue to honor those that have lost their lives while serving our country and believe that, under the current conditions, we can do that safely," Cosgrove said.

"Over half of our community is currently vaccinated and feel that the parade route is long enough that those participating and attending will have ample room to socially distance and enjoy the parade," he noted.

The Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 31, with ceremonies beginning at 7 a.m. with laying of wreaths, lowering of the flag, prayers and Taps at the town’s seven cemeteries. Then, wreaths will be laid at town monuments and the Naval Prayer will be recited at the Montowese Street bridge at 9:15 am. Ceremonies on the Town Green will begin at 10 a.m. with the parade stepping off at 10:30 a.m.

The committee is planning to live stream the services and parade on BCTV for those that prefer to stay home and is encouraging those attending to view the parade in less crowded areas along the route down from the Town Green to North Harbor Street across from Richlin’s.