Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshals Announced In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — The Town of Hamden will present its 86th Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 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,” officials wrote in a news release. “The Hamden Veterans Commission has selected two veterans and one citizen who have exhibited ongoing dedication and support of veterans in our community to serve as Hamden’s 2025 Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshals. This year’s Military Grand Marshals are World War II Army Veteran Milton M. Collins and Marine Corps Veteran Kaye Colello, and this year’s Civilian Grand Marshal is Joseph Rocco Colello Jr.”

Read more from the news release below:

Centenarian and Hamden resident Milton Mitchell Collins is a proud United States Army Veteran, having served in World War II with the 11th Armored Division. Mr. Collins was part of the Red Ball Express, an operation made up of mostly African American soldiers that delivered fuel, ammunition, and other supplies to forward troops in France during World War II.

Kaye Colello is a proud United States Marine Corps Veteran, having served in Operation Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War. Mrs. Colello currently serves her community as a teacher at the Hamden Middle School, where she is dedicated to fostering and celebrating diversity. Mrs. Colello is also an author, and the founder of the Kaiholunuie Polynesian Dance Company.

Joseph Rocco Colello Jr. has served the Hamden Public Works and Parks Department for over 30 years and currently holds the role of Director of Public Works and Parks. Mr. Colello spearheaded Hamden’s first solar farm at a closed landfill, introduced Hamden’s first outdoor classroom, and is central to Hamden’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and services for residents.

In 2024, the Town of Hamden's Memorial Day Parade was cancelled due to inclement weather. Ronnie Maebry and Cherie Strucaly were selected as 2024 Parade Grand Marshals and will participate this year as honorary Marshals.

Hamden’s 2024 Memorial Day Parade Military Grand Marshal was Ronnie Maebry, retired Army Master Sergeant and current Commander of our local DAV, VFW, and AmVets chapters. Mr. Maebry has also served as the State of Connecticut DAV Commander and currently serves on Hamden’s Veterans Commission while contributing to many other efforts advocating for veterans in Hamden and statewide.

Cherie Strucaly was selected as the 2024 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 to share military and life experiences.

In our Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony, the Hamden Veterans Commission will represent all Hamden veterans throughout the ages. They will be portrayed in uniform by Hamden Public School students and the students will perform the Memorial Day Firing Salute outdoors 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. The ceremony will commemorate the true meaning of the day, remembering those who have lost their lives in service to their country. At this time, the Parade Grand Marshals will be introduced and honored.

The ceremony will feature remarks from the Hamden Veterans Commission, Mayor Garrett, Town Clerk Mickens, 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 can exercise and enjoy the many freedoms we have.