Town of East Haven Announced Memorial Day Closings, Ceremonies

From the Town of East Haven:

On Memorial Day, a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, the East Haven Veterans Council, in conjunction with Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., will once again honor those selfless individuals who died to protect our freedom. The town will continue its recent tradition of honoring these true heroes with ceremonies of a reflective tone.

The observance will feature a procession from the American Legion Post 89 on Thompson Ave. to the East Haven Green. The procession is scheduled to step off at 11:30 a.m. on Memorial Day (Monday, May 25). Club Corvette of Connecticut will provide vehicles for veterans who choose to ride through the company's Vets in Vettes program. The East Haven Academy Band will provide a program of patriotic music, also beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the East Haven Green gazebo.

Beginning at noon, there will be remarks from Mayor Maturo and other dignitaries, and the town will recognize East Haven resident Felix Del Guidice, who is the 2016 honored veteran. Del Guidice served in the U.S.M.C. from 1947-1951, going overseas three times: to the South Pacific, Europe and the Orient, with Korea his last deployment. He was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action, the Bronze Star with Valor and two Purple Heart decorations for wounds received in action. He is a lifetime member of the Saint Andrew Society, who recently awarded him its 2014 Community Service Award.

Following remarks, the veterans, color guard and guests will proceed to the war monuments and honors will be rendered. All are invited back to Post 89 for refreshments after the ceremonies.