What’s Happening Memorial Day Weekend 2019 in Greenwich?

UPDATE: The Byram Veterans Association will host a memorial at the monument on the grounds of McKinney Terrace (former Byram School) adjacent to Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink on Sherman Avenue at 10:00am (not 9:00am as originally posted).

This is the location of 13 plaques, each of which is mounted to a stone pedestal, to represent 13 Byram School alumni who perished in service of their country in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

Finally, after a long winter and seemingly months of rain, beach season is here. Beaches open officially Tod’s Point and Byram Park on Saturday, May 25.

Also, the Greenwich Pool at Byram Park opens for the season on Saturday, May 25. Stop and see Kevin Allmashy at the concession stand and say hi!

Want to bring a guest? Guest passes can be purchased at on weekdays only at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center or Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center from Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm.


logo-final-by-andrecc811Sign up for the free Greenwich Free Press newsletter


Residents with a valid park pass can purchase guest passes online. Here is some helpful information…

https://www.greenwichct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2162/Summer-in-Greenwich-PDF

Don’t have your beach pass renewed yet? Read this:

Beach Pass, Maybe? Verify Your Residency through Parks & Rec Now.

(Ferry service doesn’t start until Saturday, June 8).

At Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, signage posting fees for parking passes for non-residents and price for single entry guest passes.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

Saturday, May 25 at 10:30am the Cos Cob VFW Post 10112 will host a brief ceremony at the monument on Strickland Rd across from the Bush-Holley House. Parking is available in the marina lot adjacent to the monument.

On Sunday, May 26 at 1:00pm, the Byram Veterans Association has their annual parade which starts at the veterans headquarters at 300 Delavan Ave and ends with a brief ceremony in front of the Byram Shubert Library.

Also on Sunday, May 26 the Ninth District Veterans Association and the Glenville Volunteer Fire Co will host the annual Glenville Parade and memorial service starting at 5:00pm. The parade route runs the length of Glenville Street from Walker Court to the fire house where there is a wreath laying ceremony. A reception hosted by the Glenville Volunteer Fire Company follows.

On Monday, May 27, the Jim Fixx Five Mile Run starts at 8:15am. There will also be a half-mile run for children through middle school age on the Havemeyer Field Track, behind Greenwich Town Hall, immediately following the five-mile race.

Runners may register on line at www.threadsandtreads.com.

On Monday, May 27 American Legion Post 29 will hold its annual dockside wreath laying ceremony at Indian Harbor Yacht Club, 170 Steamboat Road at 8:00am on Monday, May 27. US Air Force LTC (Ret) Jennifer Cassidy Will Be Keynote Speaker. In addition, WWII vet Winona Mullis to be Honored. 

The public is invited to this patriotic event which will also include  a Police Dept Honor Guard, and introductory remarks by Peter LeBeau, Commander of Post 29. Also, comments will be made by First Selectman Peter Tesei, and there will be a rifle salute by the Byram Veterans Association.

In her keynote address Lieutenant Colonel (Air Force – Ret)  Jennifer Cassidy will speak about “Women in War.” Cassidy, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel spent her military career as a Public Affairs Officer involved with media relations and communications strategies. She served in both Iraq and Afghanistan where she was a trusted advisor to senior military personnel, coalition partners and the State Department.

Greenwich resident and 95 year-old WWII Navy veteran Winona Mullis will be honored at this sea-side ceremony which has become one of the key events to kick-off the holiday weekend. While serving in the Navy Ms. Mullis was involved with code-breaking operations.

Donald Repaci

On Monday, May 27 at 9:00am, the Byram Veterans Association will host a memorial at the monument on the grounds of McKinney Terrace (former Byram School) adjacent to Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink on Sherman Avenue. This is the location of 13 plaques, each of which is mounted to a stone pedestal, to represent 13 Byram School alumni who perished in service of their country in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

Back in the 1980s Anne Kristoff was relentless when the veterans markers were removed by the town and mounted onto a black piece of marble. She would not take no for an answer. The plaques were returned. More recently the town cut down an oak tree at the marker of Cpl. Donald Sheldon Repaci, US Army in Vietnam. The tree was irreparably damaged in a storm and the Town promised a replacement.

(UPDATE: The deputy tree warden said on Wednesday morning that the town planted a new tree about two weeks ago. “It is a 6” DBH Pin Oak,” Steve Gospodinoff wrote.

Memorial Day Parade. May 28, 2018 Photo: Audrey Brandes

The big parade!

Also on Monday, May 27 at 10:00am the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department will celebrate the holiday with its annual parade along Sound Beach Ave in Old Greenwich which culminates in a ceremony in Binney Park. Get there early to stake out a good spot along Sound Beach Ave to watch the parade.