NORTH CANAAN — Memorial Day was met with pristine spring weather for the parade and ceremony in North Canaan the morning of May 26.
Hundreds of spectators lined Main Street as veterans, local officials, emergency service volunteers, baseball players, community members and the school band marched through town.
The procession concluded at the Doughboy statue, where everyone gathered to pay respects to fallen members of the armed services.
“This day, this ceremony and this parade is our way of remembering,” said First Selectman Brian Ohler, Army veteran. “Each Memorial Day, America is reminded of the selfless and heroic individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our armed forces.”
Cora Grandy sang the National Anthem and the North Canaan Elementary School marching band performed The Marine’s Hymn.
Ken Merrill led the group in prayer before the ceremony ended with a rifle salute.
In the early afternoon, the remembrance continued with the unveiling of two new statues and VFW Couch Pipa Post 6851. One honored victims of Agent Orange and the other for recipients of the Purle Heart.
“We as a nation are truly thankful and eternally blessed to live underneath a blanket of freedom,” said Ohler.
Cella’s paintings are tucked in almost every available space thoughout Little Store Antiques. L. Tomaino
