Monday, May 30 marks the 51st annual Memorial Day since the U.S. Congress made it an official federal holiday in 1971. The holiday, previously known as Decoration Day, has roots dating back as far as 1868 and is a day when the nation comes together to honor and commemorate the soldiers who have lost their lives fighting in American wars.
Towns all over Vermont and the United States will host a variety of events, speeches, parades and other forms of tribute this weekend. Anyone interested in taking part in their local events can do so at one of the following ceremonies:
• The Brandon Memorial Day parade takes place Monday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will begin at the Post Office before continuing along Route 7 to the Civil War monument in Central Park. The parade will be followed by the town’s historical flower girl ceremony, a recitation of The Gettysburg Address, and a 21-gun salute.
• Pittsford’s parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. on May 30 and proceed across Route 7 to the firehouse where there will be a variety of speakers, poetry, music, and benedictions. In the event of heavy rain, the parade will be canceled and the ceremony will begin at the firehouse at 12:30 p.m.
• Proctor’s parade will begin May 30 at 10 a.m. on South Street and will proceed to Main Street Park for additional events.
• West Rutland’s parade will begin at 10 a.m. on May 30 at Noonan Lane and head north on Clarendon Avenue, then west on Main Street to Marble Street. Taps and a gun salute will be performed at the WWII Memorial at Town Hall and the parade will continue west on Marble Street to Barnes Street to the cemeteries where a gun salute and Taps will sound again before continuing east on Main Street to the West Rutland School, south on Clarendon Avenue, and end at Noonan Lane. The parade will be followed by an awards ceremony and picnic at the American Legion.
