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Memorial Day plans
PUTNAM — The town’s Memorial Day Observance will take step off at 10 a.m. May 30 from Grove Street and will finish with a memorial program in Rotary Park.
A Connecticut Air National Guard fly-over will mark the multi-division parade. The linje-up includes town officials, a National Guard unit, local veteran groups, poppy queens, civic and fraternal organizations, youth groups and the Putnam High and Middle School bands.
Ernest G. Salvas, who served with the Seabees from 1944-46, has been chosen as this year’s parade marshal. Ernest has been awarded the American Theater Medal, Asian Pacific Theater Bronze Service Star, Combat Action Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal and given a Unit commendation. He has been a life member of VFW 1523 and served as chaplain for 10 years. He was born in Putnam and lives in Danielson.
A decorated flatbed vehicle will be provided for older and disabled veterans who cannot march. Meet at the highway department garage on Church Street by 9 a.m.
The keynote address will be given by Don Reid, a veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. Reid is the current senior vice commander of Mayotte-Viens Post 13, Putnam American Legion. Immediately following the parade, he will speak at Rotary Park. The program will include speaking, patriotic music and patriotic ceremonies. The master of ceremonies will be Ronald P. Coderre, a veteran.
Earlier in the week local veterans will place American flags at the graves of veterans nm St. Mary, Grove Street and Nancy Drive cemeteries. The traditional wreath laying and military tributes at Putnam’s 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. on May 29.