North Canaan remembers those who gave their lives

NORTH CANAAN — Veterans, service members, and residents of North Canaan breathed life into history as they celebrated Memorial Day. Festivities began with a parade that departed from Town Hall on Pease Street around 10:30 a.m.

The parade featured North Canaan’s finest including veterans, fire fighters, emergency medical responders, Boy Scouts, the North Canaan Elementary School band, and Little League baseball players.

After marching through town, the parade culminated at the Doughboy statue on the corner of Main Street and Granite Avenue. Hundreds gathered at the statue to pay respect to those who gave their lives in service to the nation.

“We gather here today to honor those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We are here to honor the true heroes and to remember their achievements, their courage, and their dedication,” said First Selectman Charles Perotti.

Army Colonel Kirk Harrington led North Canaan’s Memorial Day ceremony at the Doughboy statue. He thanked Korean War veterans Nicholas Gandolfo, seated left, and Ray Baldissari,  seated right, for their service, and recognized 110-year-old Millie Johnson, seated middle. (See story about Johnson here) Photo by Riley Klein

Army Colonel Kirk Harrington led North Canaan’s Memorial Day ceremony at the Doughboy statue. He thanked Korean War veterans Nicholas Gandolfo, seated left, and Ray Baldissari,  seated right, for their service, and recognized 110-year-old Millie Johnson, seated middle. (See story about Johnson here) Photo by Riley Klein

Army Colonel Kirk Harrington led North Canaan’s Memorial Day ceremony at the Doughboy statue. He thanked Korean War veterans Nicholas Gandolfo, seated left, and Ray Baldissari,  seated right, for their service, and recognized 110-year-old Millie Johnson, seated middle. (See story about Johnson here) Photo by Riley Klein

Army Colonel Kirk Harrington led North Canaan’s Memorial Day ceremony at the Doughboy statue. He thanked Korean War veterans Nicholas Gandolfo, seated left, and Ray Baldissari,  seated right, for their service, and recognized 110-year-old Millie Johnson, seated middle. (See story about Johnson here) Photo by Riley Klein

Army Colonel Kirk Harrington led North Canaan’s Memorial Day ceremony at the Doughboy statue. He thanked Korean War veterans Nicholas Gandolfo, seated left, and Ray Baldissari,  seated right, for their service, and recognized 110-year-old Millie Johnson, seated middle. (See story about Johnson here) Photo by Riley Klein

Army Colonel Kirk Harrington led North Canaan’s Memorial Day ceremony at the Doughboy statue. He thanked Korean War veterans Nicholas Gandolfo, seated left, and Ray Baldissari,  seated right, for their service, and recognized 110-year-old Millie Johnson, seated middle. (See story about Johnson here) Photo by Riley Klein

Army Colonel Kirk Harrington led North Canaan’s Memorial Day ceremony at the Doughboy statue. He thanked Korean War veterans Nicholas Gandolfo, seated left, and Ray Baldissari,  seated right, for their service, and recognized 110-year-old Millie Johnson, seated middle. (See story about Johnson here) Photo by Riley Klein
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