Town of Tolland to Host Memorial Day Parade and Observance Ceremony
Organized by the Tolland Permanent Celebration Committee (PCC), along with Tolland’s Veterans Recognition Commission and the VFW Post 241, on Sunday, May 28, (rain or shine) Tolland will host their Annual Memorial Day Parade and Observance Ceremony at 1:00 pm. The 2023 “Honoring Their Sacrifice” message—Community members can remember and salute those who have died while serving in the U.S. military. The national holiday, originally called “Decoration Day”, originated during the American Civil War when citizens would place flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle.
Visitors can enjoy watching Town local businesses, community groups, schools, athletic organizations, floats, antique cars, the Connecticut First Company Governor’s Horse Guard, Middletown PBA Pipes & Drums, the 5th Connecticut Regiment Re-enactors, the Tolland Fire Department, and other participants as they march in tribute to our fallen heroes. PCC members will distribute free flags for onlookers and additional giveaways may be offered by parade participants.
Brian Foley, Town Manager says “The Town of Tolland has been the hometown to so many brave and honorable U.S. military veterans for hundreds of years. We hope our community comes together on our Tolland Green Sunday to salute them all. Thank you to all the veterans, volunteers and the PCC who have all made this event possible year after year.”
The parade will kick off at the Preschool of the Arts, located at 684 Tolland Stage Road, and proceed along Town Green. The parade will pause at the Veterans Memorial, located on the Green, for a brief wreath laying. The parade will continue towards Old Post Road, turning right, and end at the Tolland Intermediate School (TIS) at 104 Old Post Road, where the observance ceremony will commence.
Tollanders are invited and encouraged to attend the observance ceremony which will include an invocation, singing the national anthem, patriotic musical solos, a gun salute by the reenactors, wreath laying by Tolland’s BSA troops, a ‘Taps’ tribute by the Tolland High School Brass, and a benediction will conclude the day’s events.
Tolland Historical Society President, Kathy Bach and U.S. Veteran, Jonathan Turner are this year’s parade announcers and the Hon. Thomas Farrish, USMC Ret. will emcee the ceremonial service. Volunteers for this community event are needed and greatly appreciated.
The Tolland Town Hall rear entrance will be open from 12:00-3:00 pm for public viewing of the ‘Veterans Wall of Honor’. Access to restrooms will also be available.
Parking will be available at the Town Hall.
For additional information including participation and volunteering, please email the Tolland Permanent Celebration Committee at Tollandpcc@gmail.com.
CONTACT:
MaryPat Soucy
President
Tolland Permanent Celebration Committee
(860) 803-0034