West Haven Memorial Day Parade Honors America's Fallen: PHOTOS

Written by Michael P. Walsh

WEST HAVEN, CT — Grand Marshal Gerald “Jerry” Cafferty steered West Haven’s Memorial Day parade Monday morning, May 27, while riding shotgun in a black Mustang driven by city resident Kevin Gardner.

Cafferty, a decorated Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War in 1970-71, led the more than 40-unit procession of veterans, bands and dignitaries, including Mayor Dorinda Borer and state Attorney General William Tong, along Campbell Avenue.

Despite damp conditions, the parade soldiered on, stepping from Captain Thomas Boulevard north to Center Street, where hundreds of revelers lined the 1 ½-mile route, American flags waving, for the annual patriotic march.

Cafferty, 75, was tapped by the West Haven Veterans Council, which helps the city organize the parade, for his years of service to the military, his fellow vets and his community.

The 90-minute event, in memory of the deceased members of the U.S. armed forces of all wars, is the oldest parade of its kind in southern Connecticut.

The parade featured the Connecticut Army National Guard’s 102nd Army Band, the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums, the East Rock Brass Band, the West Haven High School Band and the Harry M. Bailey Middle School Band.

In addition to veterans groups, the procession showcased the traditional contingent of youth organizations and sports leagues, dance and Scout troupes, fraternal organizations and service clubs, local and state leaders, police officers and firefighters.

It included cheerleaders from the West Haven Seahawks, a fleet of Jeeps from the Connecticut Beach Cruisers, and members of the West Haven High cheerleading and dance teams.

After the parade, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the World War I Armistice Memorial on the Green.

The wreath was laid by Veterans Council Vice President Al Beck Sr. and Treasurer Steve Carney as veterans, including Cafferty, saluted. Retired West Shore fire Lt. Kevin McKeon followed by playing taps.

Rick Spreyer, the mayor’s chief of staff, served as the master of ceremonies, and the West Haven High School Band performed patriotic renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”

Borer delivered remarks lauding America’s war veterans who made the supreme sacrifice. West Haven Vietnam Veterans member Mark Levine also spoke.

Grand Marshal Gerald “Jerry” Cafferty steers West Haven’s Memorial Day parade up Campbell Avenue on Monday morning, May 27, while riding shotgun in a black Mustang driven by city resident Kevin Gardner. Cafferty, a decorated Army veteran, served in the Vietnam War in 1970-71. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer, center, waves to paradegoers while leading city and state officials along Campbell Avenue. From left, Attorney General William Tong, Democratic Rep. Bill Heffernan, 9th District Councilwoman Kathleen Mueller, Democratic Rep. Treneé McGee, Republican Rep. Charles J. Ferraro and City Clerk John W. Lewis. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The crowded Campbell Avenue parade route near Atwater Street. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Members of the organization West Haven Vietnam Veterans. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The West Haven High School Band. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The Connecticut Army National Guard’s 102nd Army Band leads the array of marching bands. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Members of the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

After the parade, West Haven Veterans Council Vice President Al Beck Sr., left, and Treasurer Steve Carney lay a wreath at the base of the World War I Armistice Memorial on the Green as members of the West Haven High School Band look on. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

From front, West Haven state Rep. Bill Heffernan; West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer; West Haven Veterans Council Vice President Al Beck Sr., Treasurer Steve Carney and member Mark Levine; and parade Grand Marshal Gerald “Jerry” Cafferty pay their respects as taps is played by retired West Shore fire Lt. Kevin McKeon, not pictured. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

(City Photos/Michael P. Walsh)

This press release was produced by the City of West Haven. The views expressed here are the author’s own.