West Haven Memorial Day Parade Moved to 1 p.m. Monday

West Haven Reschedules Memorial Day Parade for Better Weather, Honors Local Heroes

This year’s Memorial Day Parade in West Haven is getting a shake-up. Organizers have pushed the start time back because of expected bad weather.

The spirit of remembrance is still strong, but the new schedule should make things more comfortable for everyone honoring our fallen heroes. Let’s look at what’s changing, shine a light on the grand marshal, and remember the traditions that make this parade so meaningful for West Haven.

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A Strategic Shift for a Meaningful Observance

West Haven parade organizers decided to move the Memorial Day Parade from its usual morning start. They’re putting safety and comfort first this year.

Weathering the Storm for a Grander Parade

Mayor Dorinda Borer shared the news: the parade will now begin at 1:00 p.m. instead of 10:30 a.m. on Monday. She said the change is based on weather forecasts showing rain and wind in the morning.

They’re hoping for less rain and warmer temperatures by afternoon. Marchers and spectators along Campbell Avenue should have a better experience if the weather cooperates. You can’t always predict New England weather, but it’s smart to try.

Campbell Avenue will close to traffic at 11:30 a.m. to get everything set up. Organizers ask participants to gather on Captain Thomas Boulevard by 12:30 p.m.

That gives everyone time to organize before the 1:00 p.m. kick-off. Sure, some folks may need to rearrange their plans, but the goal is to make this important event even better.

The parade route covers 1.5 miles down Campbell Avenue, starting at Captain Thomas Boulevard and ending at Center Street. That stretch has seen decades of parades and memories.

Honoring a True Patriot: Grand Marshal George “Butch” Treat

This year, the grand marshal is George “Butch” Treat, a Vietnam veteran who’s well known in the community.

A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

Mr. Treat, 78, served as a Marine in Vietnam during 1967-1968. He’s a lifetime member of both the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans, showing his ongoing dedication to fellow service members.

He’ll lead more than 50 units in this year’s procession. His presence is a strong reminder of the sacrifices made by so many from Connecticut and across the country.

A Symphony of Community and Patriotism

The West Haven Memorial Day Parade has a reputation for its celebratory yet respectful atmosphere. People from all over the region come to take part.

More Than a Parade, It’s a Legacy

This is the oldest Memorial Day parade in southern Connecticut, and it brings a real sense of history. Every year, the event honors those who served and died in the U.S. armed forces, from every war.

Look up during the parade and you’ll catch the C-130 Hercules from the Connecticut Air National Guard flying overhead. That flyover adds an unforgettable, moving touch to the day.

Music fills the city as marching bands from West Haven High School, Bailey Middle School, and Carrigan Intermediate take to the streets. Community bands join in, too.

The Infamous Fusion Drill Team & Drum Line always brings an extra jolt of energy that gets the crowd buzzing. It’s hard not to feel the excitement when they’re performing.

You’ll see all kinds of groups marching—veterans organizations, youth clubs, local sports leagues, dance troupes, Scouts, and fraternal and service organizations. Even local leaders from Orange and Milford show up to support the community.

Communities like East Haven and Derby also send people to join the procession. The parade wraps up with a wreath-laying ceremony at the World War I Armistice Memorial on the West Haven Green.

That final tribute is always a powerful moment. It reminds everyone just how much has been sacrificed for freedom.

Other towns—New Haven and Bridgeport, for example—host their own Memorial Day events. Each one has its own flavor and history, but there’s something special about the West Haven parade. Maybe it’s the tradition, or maybe it’s just the way the community comes together year after year.

Here is the source article for this story: West Haven Memorial Day Parade start time moved to 1 p.m. Monday

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