Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony Pays Tribute to Local Veterans

EASTFORD — The sun shone brightly on Monday, May 26, as Eastford gathered for its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, which honored local veterans for their sacrifices to make our freedoms possible. The festivities began with memorial services and military salutes at General Lyon Cemetery and Grove Cemetery. Residents then gathered at the Eastford Elementary School parking lot, and commenced the short parade at 9:30 a.m., which began on John Perry Road, before turning on Old Colony Road and finishing at the Ivy Glenn Memorial, where a short ceremony followed thereafter.

Adam Minor photos

military veterans marching The Color Guard led the way as the parade got started from Eastford Elementary School.

a marching band The East Woodstock Cornet Band provided the music for the parade.

children marching with a banner The Pomfret Eastford Little League (PELL) had a large presence at the parade.

veterans riding in a dark green sports car Veterans Jack Mullin and Loring White take a ride in the parade in a Mustang convertible, driven by Steve Bowen.

a boy riding a bicycle Beau Dubina rides his bike in the parade proudly sporting his Pomfret Eastford Little League uniform.

children singing Children from the Eastford Elementary School, led by their music teacher, perform a selection of patriotic songs during the ceremony.

a crowd of people watching The crowd gathered at the Ivy Glenn Memorial shows their support for the Eastford Elementary School children’s singers.

Isaac Torcellini playing a trumpet with a flag at half mast in the back Isaac Torcellini played “Taps” during the ceremony.

several people posing, one holding an award Rick Torgeson was honored during the ceremony as part of the town’s tradition of highlighting a local veteran every year on Memorial Day. Torgeson served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving in Germany.

children and their parents walking in a parade Levi and Emmett McGurl, with mother Chrissy, walk in the parade.

men in army uniforms saluting the American flag Local veterans pause to salute the flag during the National Anthem performed by the East Woodstock Cornet Band.

children posing with prizes with an adult Recreation Committee member Paige Burgess poses with the winners of the Memorial Day bike decoration contest — from left, Hope McGurl (Most Creative); Willa King (Best Overall); and Zoe Labonte (Most Patriotic).