Honoring Our Heroes: Past and Present

Monroe will celebrate Memorial Day with its 2013 Memorial Day Parade on May 26. This year’s theme is "Honoring our Heroes — Past and Present". 

The parade will begin at 2 p.m. with participants in authentic WWII vehicles, cars, floats and on foot. The procession will travel from Elm Street and Route 111 north to the Monroe green.

Leading the parade will be our local veterans, military groups and police force, First Selectman Stephen J. Vavrek along with State Representative DebraLee Hovey and other officials from the State of Connecticut.

"The public is encouraged to attend this wonderful annual parade and, more importantly, to stay for the ceremony where tribute will be paid to the men and women of our military who have lost their lives protecting our country and those who are presenting serving," Vavrek said.

Monroe's three volunteer fire companies and volunteer emergency medical services personnel will march on May 26, and "On Duty" will again provide horse clean up.

Memorial Day Ceremony

Immediately following the parade, the town's Memorial Day ceremony will take place at the War Memorial located directly in front of town hall. David York will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Participants will include members of veterans' groups, Vavrek, Hovey and the rest of Monroe's State Delegation. Stepney Elementary School Choir will perform "Salute to the Troops".

Masuk High School trumpeters will be on hand playing "Taps" and members of the Masuk High School Chamber Choir will each sing a patriotic song.York will lead the presentation of the Wreaths in honor of our heroes.

What if it Rains?

In the event of rain, the parade will be cancelled, but the Ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Monroe Town Hall. Cancellation information will be announced on WICC, WMNR and on the Town Hall's Parks & Recreation cancellation line (203-339-6106).

Lining Up for the Parade

On the day of the Parade, participants will line up on lower Elm Street, beginning at 1 p.m. Marchers should refer to the map included with their application. If your group or organization would like to participate, visit the town's website at www.monroect.org. Information on the parade is listed on the scroller. The line of march will be posted on the Town's website as well when time draws nearer.

Any questions regarding the parade should be directed to the First Selectman’s Office at 203-452-2821.