Memorial Day Weekend 2023 In Stafford — At A Glance

STAFFORD, CT — The upcoming Memorial Day parade and remembrance ceremonies in Stafford are part of a nearly 160-year tradition that pays tribute to military personnel who lost their lives in service to their country.

Here is the rundown for Memorial Day observances in Stafford on May 29:

Cemetery Services

• 7 a.m.: Stafford Springs Cemetery, Route 32
• 7:30 a.m.: St. Edwards Cemetery 22 West Stafford Road
• 8 a.m.: West Stafford Cemetery Route 190/30
• 8:30 a.m.: Hillside Cemetery, Next to Transfer station
• 9 a.m.: Staffordville Cemetery, Staffordville Congregational

Memorial Day Parade

• Following the morning cemetery observance, the Stafford Memorial Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. sharp from Furnace Avenue. It proceeds west on Main Street, pauses at the Wall of Honor for a brief ceremony, and concludes at the American Legion Post 26 with a memorial service immediately following (10 Monson Road).
• The procession features veterans and dignitaries, antique cars, marching bands, color guards, schools, scouts, sports teams, and those wishing join the procession, can register here.

As the observance has changed over the years, many families also use Memorial Day as an occasion to visit cemeteries and leave flowers at the graves of family members, regardless of whether they served in the military.

Memorial Day weekend is also the unofficial kickoff to summer, but is it appropriate to wish someone a "Happy Memorial Day?"

The answer is, not really.

According to Vehiclesforveterans.org, Memorial Day comes at the end of a carefree weekend, but it is not designed to be a celebration. Wishing a "Happy Memorial Day" contradicts what is meant to be a somber day. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day began after the Civil War, and was intended to be "an opportunity to start healing as a country by coming together and honoring those who had died."

Every year, a national moment of remembrance is held at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. No matter where they are or what they’re doing, Americans are asked to pause for one minute in silence to remember military personnel who have given their lives in service to their country.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the midday time was chosen because it’s a time when many Americans will be enjoying their freedoms on a national holiday.

American flags are also a big part of Memorial Day. Here are some tips from the Veterans of Foreign Wars about the proper care and display of the U.S. flag:

• The federal flag code says the universal custom is to display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open, but when a patriotic effect is desired the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Also, the U.S. flag should not be displayed when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
• For most homeowners with one flagpole, this means the U.S. flag is at the peak, above any other flag.
• The U.S. flag should not be torn, ripped or in any way wrapped around the pole or snagged in the lines. It should fly free and be able to move around the pole unobstructed.
• A U.S. flag should never be used as clothing or for decoration. Red, white and blue bunting is the proper method for decoration on porches, windows, etc.
• On special days, by order of the governor, the flag may be flown at half-staff.

Here are some other guidelines:

• Do not let the flag touch the ground.
• Do not carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
• Do not store the flag where it can get dirty.
• Do not use it as a cover.
• Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.
• Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.
• When a U.S. flag is no longer able to be flown properly, disposal by burning is required.