PHOTOS: Glenville Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

The Glenville Memorial Day Parade tradition started at 5:00pm sharp on Sunday at the intersection of from Walker Court and Glenville Street in Western Greenwich.

Marchers who followed the route to Glenville Fire House included US Senator Richard Blumenthal, First Selectman Peter Tesei, Selectman John Toner, and the Greenwich Delegation, which includes State Rep. Michael Bocchino (R-150), State Rep. Livvy Floren (R-149) and State Rep. Fred Camillo (R-151), as well as CT State Senator Scott Frantz (R-36th Distrit). The parade also featured Boy Scots, local veteran groups, the Fire Department and residents proudly in red, white and blue.

US Senator Richard Blumenthal spoke about freedom and keeping faith in veterans when they return from duty. Credit: Leslie Yager

US Senator Richard Blumenthal spoke about freedom and keeping faith in veterans when they return from duty. Credit: Leslie Yager

US Senator Blumenthal spoke about freedom.”Freedom is kept and preserved through the heroism, courage and strength, like those whose names are etched in stone behind me,” he said, gesturing to the monument listing those from the 9th district who gave their lives in service.

“I thank Greenwich, and Glenville, for reminding us what is important about this holiday. A lot of folks are at the beach, at barbecues, at sales in malls. Thank you for reminding us what is important about being an American: remembering, recognizing and honoring,” he said.

Senator Blumenthal said it is important to keep faith with veterans, not only when they serve, but when they come home, with jobs and skills. “Leave no veteran behind,” he said.

Along Glenville Street residents lined up to to watch the annual parade and show their appreciation for veterans. Credit: Leslie Yager

Other officials who spoke at the Memorial Day service included the First Selectman Peter Tesei, who mentioned attending school in Glenville as a boy. “I went to kindergarten right here,” he said pointing what is now the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center.

Mr. Tesei said Glenville was settled by very hardworking people who worked in factories including the felt mill. “Today in the audience we still have some spouses and descendents of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” he said. “For that we are here, primarily to honor them for giving the ultimate sacrifice. For those who came from modest means, but gave so much, they gave everything so that we could be here today.”

First Selectman Peter Tesei with Police Chief Heavey at the Memorial Day ceremony honoring veterans including those from District 9. Credit: Leslie Yager

Selectman John Toner of Glenville delivers remarks at the Glenville Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday. Credit: Leslie Yager

Miss Hockanum Valley, Pippa Leigh of Greenwich, delivers remarks at the Glenville Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday. Credit: Leslie Yager

Mary Kanos, a 5th grader at Parkway School with Miss Pippa Leigh, who was crowned Miss America’s “Miss Hockanum Valley.” Credit: Leslie Yager

State Rep. Fred Camillo delivers remarks at Glenville’s Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday. Credit: Leslie Yager

Glenville residents turned out to watch the parade on Glenville Street and attend a ceremony by the monument to those from district 9 who lost their lives defending their country. Credit: Leslie Yager

Miss Hockanum Valley chats with a veteran after the Glenville Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday. Credit: Leslie Yager

Memorial Day ceremony in Glenville kicks off with a salute to the flag by the monument to district 9 service members who lost their lives serving their country. Credit: Leslie Yager

State Rep. Michael Bocchino delivers remarks at the Glenville Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday. Credit: Leslie Yager

All along Glenville Street, residents, including their dogs, displayed their patriotism during the Memorial Day parade in Glenville. Credit: Leslie Yager