Memorial Day parade a go

DARIEN — The town’s Memorial Day parade will march on this year.

The Monuments and Ceremonies Commission said Tuesday the town will proceed with planning on holding a traditional Memorial Day parade on May 31.

“Concern for the health and safety of our citizens remains paramount in our planning,” parade chairman Terry Gaffney said.

Gaffney said the decision was made in light of the latest downturn in COVID infection rates, and the high percentage of vaccinations, as well as people following safety guidelines.

Gov. Ned Lamont plans to lift most restrictions on May 19. As a cautionary note, Gaffney said the announcement is “conditional” and contingent upon COVID-19 cases staying low and the Connecticut population continuing to get vaccinated.

“There remains a chance, albeit remote, our parade may still be canceled,” Gaffney said.

Specific recommendations will be announced prior to the parade. Gaffney said residents should not attend the parade if they are running a fever or not feeling well.

Attendees should also maintain appropriate social distancing, and though no longer required, consider wearing a mask, Gaffney said.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. May 31, starting from Goodwives Shopping Center, marching up the Post Road to Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery.

A traditional Commemoration Ceremony honoring those who died while serving in the Armed Forces will be held at 11:15 a.m.

Darien EMS Post 53 will not hold its usual postparade food fair fundraiser, but instead may host a health fair at Tilley Pond with demonstrations and ambulance tours. A “food fair to-go” package of outdoor grilling meals will be offered by Palmer’s to benefit Post 53. Sales of the meals, to feed eight or four, will be offered at local businesses on May 20 and 21. Pick up will be at Palmer’s on May 31.

Any organization seeking information regarding the parade should email the parade committee at: 06820mayparade@gmail.com.

Those interested in being included in The Darien Times’ Memorial Day issue should email submissions of photos, with information on rank, conflict, and service years to sshultz@darientimes.com by May 13.

Jarret Liotta / For Hearst Connecticut Media The Color Guard marches along the Post Road at the Memorial Day celebration in 2018, in Darien. After last year’s parade was canceled due to COVID-19, for the first time in decades, the Monuments & Ceremonies Commission says it is back on this year, contingent on cases staying low.