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05/26/2021 08:00 AMChester, Deep River, and Essex have plans to honor their fallen military heroes this Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, in tributes that resemble a return to normalcy as COVID-19 infection rates fall and most state restrictions have lifted as of May 19.
The holiday is an opportunity to reflect on the lives that were sacrificed during wartime or conflict, with each town planning a wreath laying at its various war memorials.
Unlike Veteran’s Day, “this one here is a solemn one,” said Art Davies, president of the Essex Vets Club. “It’s a day when you reflect on all those old friends and people who are no longer here, especially the young guys that got killed in the action there.
“They never had the chance to experience a family or to do what the rest of us have been able to do with our lives,” he continued.
Essex
As is customary, said Davies, approximately 800 American flags are placed on the graves of veterans in the Centerbrook, Riverview, and Baptist cemeteries of Essex prior to May 31.
Although the town will not hold a parade this year, a ceremony will take place at Essex Veterans Memorial Hall, 3 Westbrook Road, Centerbrook, on May 31 at 10:30 a.m. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.
Deep River
Public observances for Memorial Day in Deep River will start in the Winthrop Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 30. Afterward, a tribute will be held at the John Sobieski Club, 10 Woodland Road. At approximately 3 p.m., a ceremony will take place at Fountain Hill Cemetery, 57 High Street, Deep River.
On May 31, the town’s Memorial Day parade will step off at 9 a.m. from Devitt Field and proceed directly to the Veterans Memorial Green. Rich Nagot, chair of the Veterans Green Monument Committee, will start the ceremony with a dedication of a new platform at the site, installed last November.
In addition to a wreath laying, the white rose ceremony will take place to memorialize the veterans of World War II. Then, a bell will toll for each of the 15 veterans of Deep River who have died since May of 2020. Commander Michael Joia, a former nuclear-trained submarine officer of the U.S. Navy, will also speak on his tours of duty at the North Pole.
On Friday, May 28, the Ibell, Jacobson, Smith Post 61 American Legion will also be participating in Memorial Day tributes, held outside, at Deep River Elementary School, John Winthrop Middle School and Valley Regional High School.
Chester
The Town of Chester’s Memorial Day parade will start at 9 a.m. from St. Joseph’s Church, 48 Middlesex Avenue on May 31. The parade will advance to the Honor Roll, where there will be a remembrance service and ceremony. It will then proceed down Main Street, ending at the flagpole where a local cub scout will help install a new flag. Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Watrous will serve as parade marshal.
“This day is to honor those who lost their lives and those who served in protection of our country and our way of life,” said Watrous.
There will not be a gathering at the Chester Meeting House following the parade, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.