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05/16/2019 12:00 AMThe annual Branford Memorial Day ceremonies and parade have been finalized for Monday, May 27.
Ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. on the Branford town green. The parade will step off at 10:30 a.m., head west on Main Street to North Harbor Street, and return to the green.
The 10 a.m. program will include the Invocation, followed by the National Anthem; with greetings by Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove. Musical selections will be played during the ceremonies by units marching in the parade. The Gettysburg Address will be read by Branford Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12106 Commander Elliot Hastings, and comments by the parade marshals, Korean War Veterans Bob Zettergren and Alex Palluzzi Sr., both of Branford, will follow.
The ceremony will also include two students from Walsh Intermediate School reading their winning essays, "What Memorial Day Means to Me." A prayer, the playing of Taps, a Firing Squad salute and benediction will close the program.
The parade will be led by marshals Palluzzi and Zettergren, riding in a restored 1955 Chevy convertible owned by Branford resident Norm Gavin. Military groups in the parade will include the American Legion Color Guard, members of VFW Post 12106, members of Corcoran-Sundquist Post 83 American Legion, and a float by "Take a Vet Fishing," an outreach program of Branford First Congregational Church.
There will also be six bands or fife and drum corps performing; including Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps, the 2nd Company Governors Foot Guard, Branford High School Marching Band, East Shoreline Catholic Academy Fife and Drum Corps and Totoket Ancient Fife & Drum Corps. The Branford Town Band will remain on the Green during the parade and perform a variety of military selections.
Other groups participating include the Branford Garden Club, Branford Elks Lodge 1939, Knights of Columbus, Branford Lions Club and the Greater New Haven Columbus Day Parade committee. There will be a number of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Brownies and Cub Scouts as well. And the Branford Fire Department will bring up the rear, as they always do.
In case of rain, notice will be posted on the Branford Recreation Department's web site (https://www.branford-ct.gov/parks) and the ceremonies will be moved to the Branford High School gymnasium, 185 East Main St.