Memorial pg 3 5-17-12
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Memorial
Day plans
PUTNAM — The town’s Memorial Day observance will be May 28 with the parade stepping off at 10 a.m. and its conclusion with a memorial program at Rotary Park. In case of inclement weather, notification will be on WINY 1350 AM the morning of the parade.
A Connecticut Air National Guard fly over will mark the multi-division parade at 10:30 a.m. as the parade marches through the downtown Putnam streets from the Grove Street staging area. Its lineup of marchers will include town officials, a National Guard unit, local veterans groups, poppy queens, several civic and fraternal organizations, the Silver Dolphins from the Groton Submarine Base, 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. Salvas 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 now lives in Danielson.
The keynote address will be given by Mayor Peter Place, who will be marching in the parade to honor veterans. The ceremony at Rotary Park follows the parade.
To accommodate older and disable veterans who cannot march, a decorated flat bed vehicle will be provided. They are asked to meet at the highway department garage on Church Street by 9 a.m. where they will be seated on a float.
At 9:30 a.m., there will be a re-dedication of our Women s Relief Corp Monument on Grove Street at the start of the parade. The ceremony will be a short tribute to Americans involved with our country’s defense.
The program at Rotary Park 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, hamburgers, 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 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 27.