Valley gears up for Memorial Day parades, activities

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

The lower Naugatuck Valley will honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom by hosting parades and ceremonies to mark the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

In Ansonia, the city will host its annual “Star Spangled” Memorial Day Parade stepping off at 2 p.m. Sunday from Nolan Field on Wakelee Avenue. The parade route will head south on Wakelee Avenue to Jackson Street to Maple Street, cross over the Maple Street Bridge and head south on Main Street, where it will end at Big Y Supermarket.

“The Memorial Day Parade is an Ansonia tradition,” said Mayor David Cassetti. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather with family and friends to recognize the sacrifice made by so many brave men and women in defense of our country.”

Ansonia police will place “no parking” reminders on vehicles parked along the parade route and ask that all vehicles be removed from the parade route by 11 a.m. the day of the parade. Any vehicles not removed by 11 a.m. will be towed from the parade route. Roadways near the area of the parade route will be blocked off by 1 p.m. to allow time to make the parade route safe from vehicular traffic.

Read more here.

Shelton-Derby Memorial Day Parade as seen from Derby

Picture-perfect weather greets marchers

A view up Elizabeth Street in Derby before the parade. The line of march stepped off in Shelton this year.
 

Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto and Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti wave to the crowd.

 Mattatuck Drum Band of Waterbury makes its way up Elizabeth Street.

 

Army veteran Erwin 'Gus' Williams of Derby sells poppies before the parade.

 

Derby Elks Lodge mascot 'Elroy' poses with a parade-goer.

Jones Family Farms of Shelton brought a festive truck to the parade.

And here's an oldie but goodie.




 

Sharing snapshots from Derby-Shelton parade

DERBY - I'm back with part two of scenes from the Memorial Day Parade on Elizabeth Street. I posted here Monday about the parade as well.

Members of The Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge march.

Troop 3 Boy Scouts step lively down Elizabeth Street.

The Renaissance Faire folks were there.

Bradley School students strike up the band...

... as do their friends from Irving School.

These two 'things' kindly stopped to pose but ran to catch up with the parade before I could get their names. 

If you know who these smiling children are, please leave their names in a comment and I will identify them! Thanks in advance.
  

Derby-Shelton Memorial Day Parade applauded

DERBY - Clear blue skies, sunshine...it was a picture-perfect morning for a patriotic parade.

The Mattatuck Fife and Drum Corps heads down Elizabeth Street toward Shelton. The stately Sterling Opera House is in the background.

 

This 'oldie but goodie' firetruck from Echo Hose, Hook and Ladder Company 1 in Shelton caught my eye on Elizabeth Street this morning. 


And in the interest of "equal time," here's an older-model Derby Fire Department vehicle from Paugassett Hook & Ladder Company 4.

And below yet another vintage vehicle, from Ansonia Fire Department 's Webster Hose Hook & Ladder Company 3. 

I salute all volunteer firefighters ~ I just happened to snap this photo below of firefighters from Derby. 

It was a wonderful parade. I once again felt a strong sense of tradition and Valley history as I watched from the sidelines.

I hope everyone has a peaceful Memorial Day holiday.
   

Next up: Derby Day on June 15. It's always a good time. See you there!