Communities prepare for Memorial Day

You are currently viewing Communities prepare for Memorial Day

Patriotism will be the epicenter of life in the greater Washington County and Lakes Region Area next week.

Many towns in the area are vamping up their preparation for the Memorial Day holiday and the subsequent parades.

Whitehall

In Whitehall, the youngest students will be getting patriotic today, as the elementary school hosts its 42nd annual Memorial Day Ceremony outside the school at 10 a.m.

Ordinarily the event is held outside, but the weather last year forced it inside the high school gymnasium. Either way the annual event is a great symbol of patriotism, honor and liberty.

Members of American Legion Post 83 will be on hand, explaining the importance of civic pride and patriotism, and the symbolic importance of the POW/MIA flag. Additionally, Whitehall Mayor Ken Bartholomew is expected to give a speech on the importance of Memorial Day. He said it will be his first speech as a public official.

While a majority of the ceremony takes a serious tone, dealing with the ultimate sacrifice made by those who serve, there is eventually a lighter tone. Students will put on some choreographed dances and sing patriotic themes to liven the atmosphere.

A few days later, on Monday at 10 a.m., the American Legion will host its annual Memorial Day Parade, which has grown into a popular event that packs people onto Main Street and in Riverside Veterans’ Memorial Park.

Not a lot will be changed from previous years’ parades, but the closing ceremony always provides its own insight into what it means to serve.

“Things are pretty much the same as last year,” said Jim Lafayette, the parade chairman.

Lafayette said the parade will start in front of the American Legion Post on Main Street, as it always has. Once the parade is over, the participants will pour into the Riverside Veterans’ Memorial Park for what is always a very somber and serious closing ceremony.

The location is fitting, as Whitehall’s fallen heroes are honored right next to the pristine veteran’s wall in the park, which features the names of all Whitehall soldiers lost from World War I through the present wars.

The parade’s Grand Marshal this year will be Charles F. Austin.

Afterward, a light lunch will follow across the street at American Legion Post 83.

Granville

The Memorial Day activities kick off in Granville on May 25 with riders from the American Legion leading the parade celebration, which starts off on Main Street at 10 a.m.

Village Clerk Rick Roberts said that a wreath will then be placed at the Veteran’s Clock as is a yearly tradition.

The parade will also have a color guard and will march down Main Street and another wreath will be dropped in the Mettowee River from the bridge on Main Street to honor the members of the Navy. The parade then moves to the Veterans’ Park where Mayor Brian LaRose and others will say a few words.

The high school band will perform at the park and Roberts said that past members of the parade have included the local fire department, the American Legion, VFW, boys and girls scouts, cub and brownie scouts.

Roberts said the parade has a strong military feel and added that it is a very big deal around Granville because of how many service members live in the area. Roberts said he also expects to see over 500 people at the parade.
Hartford

In Hartford, the annual parade will take place Monday, May 25 at 6 p.m. beginning at the Hartford Central School. The parade will head north up Route 23/Main Street and will end at the town barn. President Abe Lincoln will deliver the Gettysburg Address and New York’s last remaining Civil War enlistment center at 55 Main St. will be open. Awards will be given to most patriotic house, call Jenn at 518-429-4396 or Lori at 518-232-7819 to register your house. Prior to the parade there will be a takeout chicken barbecue at the Hartford Methodist Church from 1 p.m. Until sold out.

Poultney, Vt.

There will be a Memorial Day parade in Poultney at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 25. The parade steps off at Stewart’s Shop and continues up Main Street to the Poultney Cemetery for services. The parade then continues to the town hall where another service is held. Prior to the parade, members of the Poultney American Legion will host a short ceremony in Poultney. Veterans are invited to participate in the parade and a number of civic organizations will be part of the procession as well.

Middletown Spring, Vt.

The 46th annual Middletown Spring Memorial Day Parade will take place on Sunday, May 24 with line up starting at 2 p.m. on South Street and Buxton Avenue, and the parade itself begins at 3 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine. This year’s theme will be “Faces of Honor.” If you have any questions please call Alice Hoisington at 802-235-1111. The day prior to the event will be the Middletown Spring Volunteer Fire Department Memorial Day 5K Fun Run/Walk, the course will travel from the town green to West Street, Coy Hill, Buxton Avenue, South Street, and back to the town green. There will be a free water station set up along the way. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the race itself begins at 9:30 a.m.

Fair Haven, Vt.

In Fair Haven, the annual “Spring Fling” event begins the town’s Memorial Day celebration on Saturday May 23. The event takes place at the town green and begins at 9 a.m. running until 3 p.m. Vermont Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce President Kerry Fowler said there will be activities and vendors at the park and a parade by the American Legion Post 49. The parade ceremony begins at 1 p.m. at the town green and will feature the Fire Department, Legion, little league teams, some old cars, the Shriners and more.

The town green in Fair Haven is located just off route 22, near the center of town.

Wells, Vt.

In Wells, there is a parade on Friday May 22, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the parade begins at the school, marches to the town green and then back to the school. The parade will feature an American Legion Honor Guard and the Wells Village School is also hosting a luncheon for all Wells military veterans at the school beginning at 11:20 a.m. The school is located at 135 Rt. 30 in Wells.