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05/20/2022 12:00 AMWhen Branford's Memorial Day ceremonies and parade are held on Monday, May 30, the parade's Grand Marshal and ceremony keynote speaker, Dennis Flanigan, said he will do his very best to help his fellow citizens recognize the sacrifices of those who fought and died for America's freedom; and to take a moment to thank those who have served or are serving their country currently.
Flanigan, a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran, will give his address at the day's ceremonies, set to begin at 10 a.m. on the Branford green, followed by leading the parade as it steps off on Main Street.
Flanigan was featured as a Zip06/The Sound Person of the Week in 2021, when he was selected to receive Branford Elks' Lodge #1939's Veteran of the Year Award.
Branford Veterans Parade Committee chairman Bill O'Brien said Flanigan was selected to serve as the 2022 Memorial Day Parade's Grand Marshal due to many contributions made on behalf of veterans, including Flanigan's service of some 20 years as a member of the Parade Committee; as well as serving, for many years, as a Branford elected official on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). Flanigan (R, District 5) is once again serving as RTM moderator for the current RTM term.
"It was quite an honor to be selected as the Parade Marshal," said Flanigan.
Flanigan also noted this year's Memorial Day program is especially important, for many reasons.
"This Memorial Day, we remember more than 1 million men and women who died in the U.S. military service to keep our country safe," he said. "We dedicate the last Monday in May to their memory, while acknowledging that, for our Gold Star families, the mourning is not limited to a 24-hour day."
While Memorial Day is often viewed as a day of parades and picnics and celebration, "...let's not lose the true meaning of Memorial Day," said Flanigan.
Flanigan joined the Navy at age 19 and served overseas in the Mekong Delta; completing his Naval service as a third-class petty officer. Like many who served during the Vietnam war, coming home was difficult.
"When we came back from Vietnam, we didn't get any recognition," said Flanigan.
That's why honoring military members means a great deal to him, and to other veterans, he added.
Whether it's Memorial Day or any other day, "...if you see a service person or someone that you know has been in the military service, to me and to many, the biggest compliment would be for people to say 'Thank you for your service.'" said Flanigan. "It means a lot to people that have served or are still serving in the military."
Branford's Memorial Day Events, Ceremonies, Parade
Branford's Veterans Parade Committee works in collaboration with town's veterans' organizations pack a lot into Branford's annual Memorial Day events, ceremonies and parade. O'Brien noted the day's ceremonies will get started at 6:45 a.m. at the town's cemeteries and monuments with the laying of wreaths, lowering of the flag, taps and rifle salute. He credits instrumentalist Steve Vacca for playing taps at the cemeteries and at the ceremony on the green.
The parade committee will also participate in the village of Stony Creek's morning march to the Stony Creek cemetery for its Memorial Day ceremony. The committee will then proceed to the Hubbard Bridge on Montowese Street where, at 9:15 a.m., Flanigan will once again oversee Branford's Naval Memorial services, which includes the laying of a wreath on the Branford River.
Marching units then travel to gather on the Branford Green by 9:45 a.m. for Memorial Day ceremonies that will be held at 10 a.m. In addition to Flanigan's address, O'Brien noted the opening invocation and closing benediction will be given by Pastor Steve Chamberlain of Branford Evangelical Free Church. The program also includes resident Lia Whitten singing the National Anthem, greetings by First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, musical selections by several groups including the Branford Town Band, the reciting of the Gettysburg Address, readings by Walsh Intermediate School parade committee essay contest winners, a rifle salute and taps. VFW Commander and American Legion Post 83 Chaplain Elliott Hastings will give the day's GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) address. O'Brien also thanked resident Dennis Nardella for providing sound for the ceremony.
Branford's 2022 Memorial Day Parade will include a number of marching units together with floats, vintage cars and Branford Fire Department (BFD) apparatus, O'Brien said. Marchers will include RTM and local and state officials, members of Branford American Legion Post 83 and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12106, Branford police and fire departments, Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps, the Branford High School Band, the 2nd Company Governors Foot Guard musical unit, boy and girl scout units, Branford Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, the Columbus Day Committee of Greater New Haven, the Branford Historical Society. The parade will include a Take a Vet Fishing float and a Branford Garden Club float.
"We are excited to be able to have our Memorial Day ceremonies and parade in remembrance of those that died in service to our country and to honor all those, including many from Branford, who were lost in all wars," O'Brien said.
In case of inclement weather on May 30, Branford's Memorial Day Parade ceremonies will be moved to Branford High School, 185 East Main St., to be held in the gymnasium beginning at 10 a.m.