2021 Memorial Day Parade Gets Green Light In Darien

DARIEN, CT — Darien's traditional Memorial Day parade has officially been given the green light and is scheduled to take place later this month.

In a news release, Terry Gaffney, chair of the town's Memorial Day parade committee, said the Monuments and Ceremonies Commission has been given permission from town officials to proceed with planning and hosting the parade on May 31.

Gaffney said concern for the health and safety of residents remains paramount in the committee's planning efforts.

"The current downturn in infection rates and the high percentage of vaccinations, coupled with continued exercise of personal responsibility to respect the health of our neighbors, suggest we should be able to safely enjoy our traditional celebration acknowledging the sacrifice so many have made to secure our freedom and liberty," Gaffney said in a news release.

According to Gaffney, Gov. Ned Lamont has issued a conditional lifting of most coronavirus-related restrictions, which is effective May 19.

"As a cautionary note, keep in mind this is a conditional proclamation contingent upon a low incidence of COVID-19 and the Connecticut population continuing to get vaccinated," Gaffney said. "There remains a chance, albeit remote, our parade may still be cancelled."

While specific recommendations will be announced prior to the parade, the committee urges all residents to take personal responsibility for their behavior to protect the health and safety of their family, friends and neighbors.

Anyone who has a fever or is not feeling well is asked not to attend the parade. Everyone in attendance is asked to maintain appropriate social distancing and, though it is no longer required, consider wearing a mask, Gaffney said.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., starting from the Goodwives Shopping Center and marching up the Post Road to Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery, where a commemoration ceremony will take place at 11:15 a.m.

Any organization looking for information regarding the parade is encouraged to contact the committee via email at 06820mayparade@gmail.com.