Hundreds of citizens lined Granby streets on Monday morning, May 29, to commemorate the annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony organized by American Legion Post 182. The Connecticut Air National Guard 103rd Airlift Wing—the Flying Yankees—flew a C-130 Hercules at treetop level over the town center to kick off the events.
The parade included veterans, Flying Yankees airmen, scouts, first responders, bands, civic groups, and dignitaries who marched from Geissler’s to the cemetery. To honor the fallen, wreaths were laid at the War on Terror, Vietnam, World War II, Civil War and World War I monuments. At Granby Center Cemetery, a ceremony included speeches, the laying of the wreaths, a 21-gun salute, Taps played by a pair of buglers and a traditional rendition of Amazing Grace on bagpipes.
Guest speaker First Selectman Mark Fiorentino thanked the veterans for their service and sacrifice, and urged the community to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. “Memorial Day is not just a day off from work or school, or a time to have a barbecue or go shopping. It is a day to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom and our way of life,” Fiorentino said. “We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.”
The honorary parade marshal was David M. Amidon, Lieutenant Commander, USN (Retired), a naval aviator who served in Vietnam and the Cold War. Amidon said he was humbled by the recognition and proud to be part of the Granby community. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent all the veterans who have served our country in times of war and peace,” Amidon said. “I’m also thankful for the support and appreciation that Granby shows to its veterans and their families.”
After the ceremony, the parade returned to the town green and disbanded. The Granby Memorial High School Band and the Marquis of Granby Fife and Drum Corps performed a short concert on the green, while a concession stand offered food and drinks for sale.
Parade Marshal and American Legion Post 182 Commander Wayne Adams said he was pleased with the turnout and the weather for the parade and ceremony. “It was a beautiful day to pay tribute to our fallen heroes,” Adams said. “We had a great crowd and a lot of enthusiasm. I want to thank everyone who participated and attended for making this a memorable Memorial Day in Granby.”
Post 182 Legionnaires Orchestrated the Event
Behind the scenes, Legionnaires from Granby’s Shannon-Shattuck Post 182 organized and prepared for the event. “Every year, the American Legion sponsors and orchestrates the many elements that make a successful parade,” remarked Cliff Burrell, the Post’s Adjutant. “From requesting permits and approval by town and state authorities, to selling flags and poppies, placing flags at the graves of Granby veterans, and awarding a scholarship—there are so many things that happen behind the scenes.”
“This year had special challenges with the ongoing road construction. Mark Fiorentino was instrumental in securing state approval for our parade,” Post Commander Wayne Adams added. “We originally invited the First Selectman to be our guest speaker to emphasize our deep commitment to Granby and its citizens. We are all neighbors. We are all working together for our town. Mark proved this by engaging the state construction managers on our behalf and making sure the construction area was safe for all of us.”
Memorial Flags Placed on Graves
On the Saturday before Memorial Day, Debbie Burrell and Paul Willis led more than 50 volunteers—most of whom were scouts—in placing flags to mark the graves of all veterans interred in the town cemetery. “We placed over 560 flags at the Granby Center Cemetery,” commented Burrell. “We try to place flags at the graves of all our fallen veterans, but it is a daunting task: from old graves lost to time, to managing the exuberant kids that came to help. It is humbling to see the military service given by so many Granby citizens over the years.” Veterans of conflicts as early as the French and Indian and the American Revolutionary Wars are buried in the cemetery. Flags are also placed in nine outlying cemeteries, three of which require short hikes to find.
Flags and Poppies
Weeks before Memorial Day weekend, the Legion Post sold flags and poppies in the Geissler’s and Stop & Shop parking lots. “It is almost a Granby tradition for shoppers to get ready for Memorial Day by buying small flags for their yards,” declared Jim Hall, long-time Legionnaire and Post 182’s Past Commander. “We also sell many larger flags to replace those that have become worn and faded.” The American Legion collects old and retired American flags to dispose of them with honor and by tradition. “The money we raise by selling flags before Memorial Day goes to funding the parade and related expenses not covered by the modest allotment from the town,” Hall added.
Patriotic Scholarship Awarded
The American Legion Scholarship is awarded annually to the student who writes the best essay for a patriotic topic. This year the topic was “Discuss either why the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, or the Articles of the Bill of Rights were important when they were written and why they are still important today.” The 2023 scholarship winner is Christian Cusano, a graduating senior from Granby Memorial High School; Cusano will attend the University of Georgia majoring in chemistry and music.
“Next year,” said Robert Moss, the Post 182 scholarship chairman, “we are going to offer two scholarships: one for college-bound seniors and one for seniors attending technical school or other industrial training.”
Photo by Bill De Nio
Post-Parade Social on the Green
While the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony were the focus, a very important job served parade-goers during and after the official events. Legion supporter Billy Cipkas and his team served water, soft drinks, hot dogs and hamburgers at the tent erected on the town green. After the parade, members of the Granby Memorial High School band played patriotic and summer classics, while parade participants and celebrants enjoyed the traditional picnic fare. “We give each band member a ticket for a drink or a burger to thank them for their participation,” said Cipkas. “The rest of the folks stay for the music and friendly conversations.”
Unsung Heroes
American Legion Shannon-Shattuck Post 182 members, family and friends put together many activities to make the parade and memorial ceremony fitting tributes to all veterans and remembrance by the citizens of Granby. While senior members of the American Legion Post 182 orchestrated the preparations, so many others brought the pieces together—often with little or no recognition. These unsung heroes quietly did the things that needed doing. They best represent all that is good with Granby: a willingness to help, the spirit of service and the belief in our town and those who came before us.
The author, William De Nio, is the Communications Officer for American Legion Post 182.
