SHARE

Greenwich Remembers Memorial Day's Meaning

For many people, Memorial Day weekend might signal the start of summer, but its significance is also solemn, as a day of remembrance for those who died serving the United States.

In Greenwich, the commemoration included raising flags on the Mianus River bridge Friday night to kick off the weekend’s festivities. As a national holiday, schools, town hall and libraries are all closed.

The Glenville Ninth District Veterans' Association held its Memorial Day parade Sunday night, beginning at Walker Court and ending at the veterans monument next to the Glenville fire station.

The town’s parade was set to begin at 8 a.m. at the Indian Harbor Yacht Club, with the American Legion Post 29’s annual dockside ceremony to honor the nation’s veterans.

At 10 a.m., residents gathered to march from Sound Beach Avenue and end with a ceremony at Binney Park for the annual Old Greenwich parade.

The Byram Veterans' Association kicked off its parade at 2 p.m., from the front of the Byram Veterans' Club, located at 300 Delavan Ave., and ending at the Byram Shubert Library.

Each year, American Legion Auxiliary volunteers and veterans' groups distribute red artificial poppies, which have become a symbol of Memorial Day. The flowers, referred to in the poem, “In Flanders Fields,” grew on battlefields and in cemeteries where casualties were buried during World War I. It became the official symbol of the American Legion in 1920. Here is the poem:

“In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

How are you commemorating Memorial Day this year? Send photos of the parades to ahelhoski@mainstreetconnect.us

to follow Daily Voice Greenwich and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE