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PUTNAM — The Town’s Memorial Day observance will take place May 27 with a parade stepping off at 10 a.m. and concluding with a memorial program at Rotary Park. In case of inclement weather, notification will be on WINY 1350 AM the morning of the parade.
The parade will feature a lineup of marchers which will include town officials, a National Guard Unit, local veterans groups, VFW and American Legion poppy queens, several civic and fraternal organizations and youth groups. Patriotic music will be provided by Relative Sound and the Putnam High and Middle School Bands.
Victor Lippiello, who served for four years and nine months in the U.S. Paratroopers division beginning in April of 1941, will be this year’s parade marshal. Victor served during WWII and participated in 28 jumps while in combat. He attained rank of corporal while serving our country. He was born and raised in Thompson. Victor has been married for over 53 years and lives in Putnam. He is from a family of 10, in which three sons served in WWII.
To accommodate older and disabled veterans, who wish to be in the parade, transportation will be available by calling the VFW at 860-928-9897.
Following the parade a speaking ceremony will take place in Rotary Park. The keynote address will be given by veteran Roger Franklin, who served in the U.S. Army 1960-61 then in 1965 he joined the active reserve U.S. Military 76th division until 1992 when he retired with the rank of colonel.
All marching units and on lookers are asked to gather at Rotary Park on Kennedy Drive immediately following the parade for the Memorial Day observance ceremony. The program will be lead by Master of Ceremonies, Ronald P. Coderre, a U.S. Air Force veteran. Following the ceremony, the Putnam Police Department will host a free picnic in Rotary Park. Refreshments include hot dogs, chips, drinks and cookies for as long as they last.
Earlier in the week, local veterans will place American flags at the graves of Veterans interred in the
St. Mary, Grove Street and Nancy Drive, Munyan Road and Rt. 21 cemeteries. There they will remain until Veterans Day in November.
The traditional wreath-laying and military tributes at Putnam cemeteries, bridges and monuments will be conducted by a National Guard firing squad plus officers and color guards from the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, starting at 10 a.m. May 26. The Putnam Police Department is providing security and escort services for all Memorial Day observance activities.