MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES & PARADE
Remember & Honor
Cemetery Memorial Services
The Stafford Memorial Day Services & Parade are a time to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Beginning with dedications at our five local cemeteries, the day progresses to the Memorial Day Parade that salutes our armed forces, and concludes with a memorial service at the American Legion Post 26.
For over a century the Stafford community has paid tribute to deceased Veterans at each of the town's five major cemeteries. A tradition made possible by members of the American Legion Post 26 and VFW Post 990, the public is invited to these graveside observances to honor local veterans who have given their lives for our country.
While we recognize the sacrifices made by all service members, our town's veterans' organizations honor a different local serviceperson each year at the respective gravestone. The following schedule will take place on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, rain or shine. Please join in saluting these and all our heroes.
6:50 a.m.
American Legion Parking Lot
10 Monson Road
Safety briefing
7:00 a.m.
Stafford Springs Cemetery
CT Route-32, across from the Legion
Steve Marvonek, SSGT, USMC, Korea
7:30 a.m.
St. Edwards Cemetery
22 West Stafford Road
Perry W. Caldwell, USN, Vietnam
8:00 a.m.
West Stafford Cemetery
Route 190/30 on right
Hugh J. McQuaid, Sr., CPL, US Army Air Corps, WW2
8:30 a.m.
Hillside Cemetery
Next to Transfer station
Joseph Locke, Co E, 20th Mass Vol Inf, Civil War
9:00 a.m.
Staffordville Cemetery
Staffordville Congregational
Paul M. DaDalt, SGT, USAF, Vietnam.
Memorial Day Parade
A long-standing tradition, the Stafford Memorial Day Parade celebrates all those who have served in uniform and honors those who have given their lives for our country.
Following the morning cemetery observance, the Stafford Memorial Day Parade will step off at 11:00 a.m. sharp from Furnace Avenue, proceeds west on Main Street, pauses at the Wall of Honor for a brief ceremony, and concludes at the American Legion Post 26 with a memorial service immediately following (10 Monson Road).
The procession features veterans and dignitaries, antique cars, marching bands, color guards, schools, scouts, sports teams, and more! If you'd like to join the procession, please register here All are welcome to participate and help salute those who have served our country.
Parade Route
Steps off from the corner of East Main Street and Furnace Avenue, proceeds up Main Street to West Main Street, with a processional pause at the Wall of Honor (Olympic Circle), then continues down Olympic Avenue, and concludes at the American Legion Post 26 (10 Monson Road) with a Memorial Day Program immediately following (approximately 11:45AM).
Parade Line-up:
Begins at 10:15 on Furnace Avenue
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For the safety of our parade marchers and attendees, lower Furnace Ave. will be blocked off for staging.
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Candy shall only be tossed by walkers to the side of the parade route.
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Upon completion of the form below, further logistical details will be sent to the registered email.
Step-off:
11:00am sharp from Furnace Avenue!
Questions & Assistance
If you receive an error message upon submittal or have questions, please call 860.851.0243 or email amberw@staffordct.org
Stafford Cemetery Map
Memorial Day Parade Route
