Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshals Announced In Hamden

Press release from Town of Hamden:

HAMDEN, CT — The Town of Hamden will present its 86th Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, beginning at 10 a.m. at Hamden High School and continuing north along Dixwell Avenue to the Hamden Middle School, where a Remembrance Ceremony will immediately follow.

The parade will serve as a tribute to the sacrifices of our veterans and a source of pride to our citizens.

The Hamden Veterans Commission has once again selected a veteran and a citizen who have exhibited ongoing dedication and support of veterans in our community.

Hamden’s Memorial Day Parade Military Grand Marshal is Ronnie Maebry, retired Army Master Sergeant who served in combat and is the current Commander of our local DAV, VFW, and AmVets chapters. He has also served in the capacity of the State of Connecticut DAV Commander. Lastly, Ronnie Maebry serves on Hamden’s Veterans Commission and contributes to many other efforts advocating for veterans in Hamden and statewide.

Cherie Strucaly was selected as this year’s Civilian Grand Marshal. Cherie Strucaly is the Director of the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut’s AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer Programs. In 2015, Cherie Strucaly founded the Hamden Pen Pal Program, which connects veterans with Hamden Public School students so they may share military and life experiences.

This year, the Hamden Veterans Commission itself is representing all Hamden veterans throughout the ages. They will be portrayed in uniform by Hamden Public School students. The students will also perform the Memorial Day Firing Salute at the Veterans Monument to conclude the Remembrance Ceremony.

The Remembrance Ceremony immediately following the parade will be held inside the Hamden Middle School Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 2623 Dixwell Ave. It will commemorate the true meaning of the day, remembering those who have lost their lives in service to their country. At this time, Parade Grand Marshals Ronnie Maebry and Cherie Strucaly will be honored. The ceremony will feature remarks from the Veterans Commission, Mayor Garrett, and other guests. Wreaths will then be placed outside at the Veterans Monument. Please join us as we remember and honor all those who sacrificed so we could exercise and enjoy the many freedoms we have.

If your group or organization would like to participate in this year’s Memorial Day Parade, please fill out our new online form by end of day Monday, May 20. Many local organizations register to march in the parade. The Town of Hamden would be honored if current members of our Armed Forces would join us.

For further information, please contact Deputy Chief of Staff, Alexa M. Panayotakis, at 203-287-7100 or by email at apanayotakis@hamden.com.

This press release was produced by Town of Hamden. The views expressed here are the author’s own.