May 25, Memorial Day 2009 started out cloudy, but cleared to a bright, clear and warm day. A day to remember all those who gave their lives for our freedom. Many local organizations gathered for this annual remembrance. The photos that follow show a small portion of the day. Many hours work went in advance of the day to assure that all would run smoothly. Click here for some background on Memorial Day.
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Gathering together for the day, many of the clergy of Southbury lend their presence to the days activities. Here we see (L to R) Sr. Pat Torre of Sacred Heart, Rabbi Polokoff of B'nai Israel, Fr. Donnelly of Sacred Heart, Fr. Aleandro of Christ The Savior Orthodox Church, Pastor Leo McIlrath, chaplain of the Lutheran Home, and Rev. Walter Pitman, of UCC.
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Members of the Columbiettes are joined for a picture by Mary, who has been working long and hard to make sure the day goes smoothly.
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The local Knights of Columbus Council, # 5066, are lining up to start the parade. They were joined by members of the Irwin Cassidy Fourth Degree Assembly # 2265, in full dress.
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Members of the Columbiettes will be placing the wreaths on the memorials for our fallen service members.
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Part of the large group of marchers. Scouts, sport teams, partiotic groups, school groups and bands. A true community effort.
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Ready to lead the parade, members of local veterans groups assemble.
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Proud the be marching near the front of the parade, the Knights of Columbus step off.
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Followed by members of the local scout organizations.
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Scouts and their leader render honors as the flag of their country passes by.
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Willie Nininger and his group provide a musucal interlude at the Memorial Monuments, as elements of the parade arrive and are positioned for the ceremonies to follow.
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Lee Ryan, a WW II Army Nurse, enjoying a well deserved cool break in the shade,
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Never one to rest, Mary is constantly on the move, making sure that even at the last minute, nothing goes amiss.
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Surrounded by veterans, citizens, members of many of the towns organizations, Harmon Andrews calls the assembly to attention.
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Art O'Neill, state representative, reads the official governor's proclamation establishing Memorial Day, 2009.
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And promptly at noon, as protocol demands, the flag is raised to full height.
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And the wreaths are placed on the memorials, another promise that we will always remember the sacrifices of those who we memorialize today.
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Principal speaker for the day, Capt. Bud Neal, commander of the Woodbury American Legion Post, reminded us all that we must remember the MIA and POW today.
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Pastor Leo McIlrath gave the final blessing for the day.
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Part of the crowd in attendance to remember those who have given all that they had to give, that we might enjoy the benefits of a free country.
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