Memorial Day Parade Honors Veterans Saturday
By Robin Vinci | Editor at May 29, 2024 | 9:00 am | Print
The 2015 Memorial Day Parade, hosted by the New Britain Parks and Recreation Commission, will honor those who are currently serving in the United States Military.
The Parade will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 6 p.m. The Parade will begin at the top of Broad and Burritt Streets. The line of march is East on Broad Street for 1.5 miles downhill to South on Main Street for 0.7 miles past the Reviewing and Grand Stand in Central Park to the dispersing point at Franklin Square in front of the New Britain Courthouse. The Reviewing and Grand Stands will be on the west side of Main Street on the north side of Central Park.
“The City of New Britain is proud to continue our tradition of honoring the sacrifices and contributions of our servicemen and women through our annual Memorial Day Parade,” said Mayor Erin Stewart. “It is our honor and solemn duty never to forget those sons and daughters who have given their lives so that we might live ours in freedom.”
Grand Marshall of the Parade this year is Don Naples.
30 year coast guard veteran. It was the Mayor’s choice under the veteran’s commission.
“It is awful big shoes to fill as the last one was Ray Greene. He could fit into his old uniform and I can’t say the same,” said Naples. “I’m proud of my service in the coast guard. It is an honor to be selected. I would be the last one to choose me, but I am happy to do it.”
Graduate 1960 as an ensign, 30 years later retired as captain.
“Memorial Day is not only a time to remember all those who gave their lives in our nation’s wars, but also a time to celebrate our freedom, our patriotism, and our country,” said Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Matthew Cannata. “We hope you join us on May 30th while we pay tribute and celebrate everything our country stands for!”
Veterans Commission Chairman Peter Scirpo commented that, “Memorial Day is a time for reflection on the great deeds of the past, never to forget those whose selfless acts provide endless freedom for all citizens in the free world. We should take the time to come out and speak with those who offer advice of how precious life is, after having earned the right to give the advice, by surviving battles hard fought and the loss of brothers in arms.”
The Parade features many local Veterans Organizations and their respective Auxiliaries; local youth organizations, the New Britain Police, Fire and EMS Departments, five school marching bands including the New Britain High School Golden Hurricanes as well as the Slade, Pulaski, HALS Academy and DiLoreto Middle School Bands, two youth and four adult Fife and Drum Corps, the Connecticut Horse Council Volunteer Horse Patrol, two clowns named Valentine and Jingles, an entertaining stilt walker named Amazing Andy, the Sphinx Temple Motor Patrol, Cyclists, Temple Guard Units, and False Alarmers, and many other local organizations.
“The New Britain Parks and Recreation Department measures benefits in the following four categories: 1) individual 2) community 3) economic and 4) environmental. The Memorial Day Parade encompasses three of those four major benefits,” said Parks and Recreation Director Bill DeMaio. “We’re so pleased to honor the War Veterans who have given their lives to ensure our freedom and honor all Veterans who have served our country.”
For more information, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 860-826?3362 or visit us on the web at http://www.newbritainct.gov/index.php/city-services/community-services/veterans-affairs.html.
