Coronavirus Forces Cancellation Of Branford Veterans Day Parade

BRANFORD, CT — Saying that it wants to keep marchers, scouts, bands and spectators safe, the Branford Veterans Parade Committee, in consultation with the town, has canceled the annual November parade that honors and pays tribute to military veterans.

"It's unfortunate we have to cancel this year’s parade but after discussing it with committee members, and First Selectman James Cosgrove, we agreed that with the COVID-19 precautions in place for group gatherings we would not have a parade this year," parade committee chairman Bill O'Brien said in a media release.

The Memorial Day parade was also canceled in May.

"Even though our November parade doesn't bring as many people to the Green and along the parade route as Memorial Day, we have to be conscious of the groups that are marching like the veterans and the marching units including the bands, scout groups and other participants," O'Brien said.

"We don't want to endanger them as well.”

O'Brien said that there will be a brief service on the Town Green at 1 p.m. Nov. 8 that will include the National Anthem, prayer and comments regarding the holiday. The public will be allowed to attend but will be required to wear a face covering and maintain proper social distancing.