Make your plans to attend Granby’s annual Memorial Day Parade and program on Monday, May 25. Parade Marshal and American Legion Post 182 Commander Cliff Burrell announced that this year’s honorary parade marshal and guest speaker is Dr. Don Rethke. Rethke, famously nicknamed “Dr. Flush,” is a retired Hamilton Standard aerospace engineer who pioneered zero-gravity toilet technology for NASA. Based in Connecticut, he developed the air-entrainment systems used on the space shuttle, which allowed for a “sit-down” toilet, transforming waste management from the Apollo era bags.
As in past years, the parade will form at and around the Granby Geissler’s parking lot on Bank Street. Assembly will begin at 9 a.m. Parade vehicles (floats, trailers, tractors, cars, etc.) should arrive before 8:15 a.m. Parade organizers and the Granby Police Department urge parade participants (and their parents) to exercise extreme caution when dropping off marchers.
Bank Street closes around 9:30 a.m. Drivers and business patrons should be flexible and alert to changes in the traffic patterns as we approach 9:30 a.m. No drop-offs will be allowed in the assembly area after that time. Parking will be limited near the assembly area. The parade will step off at 10 a.m. sharp. Stops will be made to lay wreaths at the World War I, War on Terror, and Legion monuments before continuing to the cemetery. The invocation and benediction will be offered by Pastor Brian Rooney of Valley Brook Community Church and wreaths will be laid. There will be a 21-gun salute, and Taps played in remembrance of all who served.
It is important to remember that Memorial Day is a time for solemn remembrance, honoring the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. While we hold all veterans in high regard, this day is particularly devoted to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We kindly remind parade attendees that the event’s dignity must be preserved. Whimsical costumes and throwing of parade favors by marching participants are not permitted.
“Since the founding of our great nation, more than 1.3 million men and women have given their lives to protect our freedoms, our country, and our way of life,” said Burrell. “As our young nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, it is ever more poignant that we pause on Memorial Day to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and to honor the men and women who have served—and who continue to serve—with courage and dedication. Granby’s Memorial Day Parade is a fitting way to ensure we never forget how proud we are, and how the fabric of our Stars and Stripes is strengthened by all those, past and present, who have served with honor and distinction.”
Following the ceremony, the parade will return to the Town Green. After a brief recess, music that celebrates America will be provided. A limited number of concessions stands on the green will offer food for sale.
All vehicles, floats and concessions on the green require the approval of Parade Committee Chairman Bill De Nio. This measure ensures that everything aligns with the spirit and standards of the event. For more information, email De Nio at GranbyMemorialDay@gmail.com or go to post182alct.org/mdp1-memorial-day
Submitted by American Legion Post 182