Parade canceled but Memorial Day ceremonies go on

Under the solemn serenade of Taps played by bugler Aaron Bochman (U.S. Marine Corps veteran), First Selectman Todd Gelston cast a wreath into the Connecticut River in memory of those who died at sea, and the rifle team of the American Legion Post 156, led by Jaron Sweet Post 156 Commander, performed the three-volley salute. (Photo by Noreen Blaschik.)

Submitted by Susan R. Waide

East Haddam residents and friends gathered on a rainy Memorial Day even though the parade was canceled.

At 8:30 a.m., the Memorial Day program began at the dock near the East Haddam Swing Bridge. The wreath installation by the parade detail, volley firing by the American Legion, and a musical tribute by bugler, Aaron Bacman was a moving honor to our fallen service members.

The remaining Memorial Day events took place at the American Legion Baron-Smith-Golec Post 156 at 35 Neptune Ave. in Moodus starting at 10:30 a.m. About 170 people attended this moving Memorial Day event. Eric J. Badrick, Post Commander for the East Haddam/Moodus VFW Post 3336 introduced the Moodus Drum and Fife Corps and event speakers.

Steven Trautner was the Grand Marshal and Forrest Anderson was the Officer of the Day. Speakers included First Selectman Todd H. Gelston, Kaelyn Cambi and Katy Haggerty, Nathan Hale-Ray High School senior band members, and Emmett J. Lyman III, former East Haddam First Selectman. Kaelyn Cambi read the “Gettysburg Address” and Katy Haggerty read “In Flander’s Field.”

Jon Favreau and Jennifer Williams made up the Flag Detail. Outside, the Girl Scouts installed the wreath at the Memorial Monument while the Boy Scouts installed geraniums. Volley fire was conducted by the American Legion and Taps played by Payton Balducci, Michael Waltamath, and Matthew Forsyth. Pastor Tim Carr, Grace and Truth Bible Chapel, gave the benediction.

The American Legion Women’s Auxiliary served free hotdogs, chips, and ice cream to the crowd. Special thanks to Linda Zemienieski, the town’s First Selectman's Executive Manager, and those unnamed persons who helped behind the scenes to make this day memorable.