Memorial Day 2023 In Avon, What You Need To Know

AVON, CT — Avon VFW Post 3272 is hosting the town's 78th Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29.

The annual event starts at 11 a.m, with marchers stepping off at the Avon Board of Education Annex, 34 Simsbury Road, according to the VFW.

The route then heads south on Routes 10/202 to the intersection of Route 10/2020 and 44.

It will then take a right onto Route 44 (West Main Street), heading west.

The parade will end at the corner of Route 44 and Ensign Drive at the Avon Town Green.
After the parade, there will be a ceremony at the Veterans' Memorial on the green.

"The public is invited to spectate the parade and attend the ceremony as well. We expect a great day and hope for a large turnout," wrote the VFW. "We encourage all veterans to join us and march in the parade. Cars are available for veterans needing a ride."

In case of rain, a smaller ceremony at the Avon Senior Center, 635 W. Avon Road, will take place at 11 a.m. with limited attendance.

"Please support us and honor those who gave their lives in the call of duty. We will remember them as well as all veterans on that day," wrote the VFW. "Public support is very important. The veterans look forward to a strong attendance on Monday, May 29."

Memorial Day's Meaning

As the observance has changed over the years, many families use Memorial Day to visit cemeteries and leave flowers at the graves of family members, regardless of any military service.

Memorial Day weekend is also the unofficial kickoff to summer, but is it appropriate to wish someone a "Happy Memorial Day?"

The answer is, not really.

According to Vehiclesforveterans.org, Memorial Day comes at the end of a carefree weekend, but it is not designed to be a celebration.

Wishing a "Happy Memorial Day" contradicts what is meant to be a somber day.

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day began after the Civil War and was intended to be "an opportunity to start healing as a country by coming together and honoring those who had died."

Every year, a national moment of remembrance is held at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

No matter where they are or what they’re doing, Americans are asked to pause for one minute in silence to remember military personnel who have given their lives in service to their country.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the midday time was chosen because it’s a time when many Americans will be enjoying their freedoms on a national holiday.

Flag Etiquette

American flags are also a big part of Memorial Day.

Here are some tips from the Veterans of Foreign Wars about the proper care and display of the U.S. flag:

• The federal flag code says the universal custom is to display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open, but when a patriotic effect is desired the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Also, the U.S. flag should not be displayed when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.

• For most homeowners with one flagpole, this means the U.S. flag is at the peak, above any other flag.
• The U.S. flag should not be torn, ripped or in any way wrapped around the pole or snagged in the lines. It should fly free and be able to move around the pole unobstructed.
• A U.S. flag should never be used as clothing or for decoration. Red, white and blue bunting is the proper method for decoration on porches, windows, etc.
• On special days, by order of the governor, the flag may be flown at half-staff.

Here are some other guidelines:

• Do not let the flag touch the ground.
• Do not carry the flag flat or carry things in it.
• Do not store the flag where it can get dirty.
• Do not use it as a cover.
• Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.
• Do not draw on or otherwise mark the flag.
• When a U.S. flag is no longer able to be flown properly, disposal by burning is required.

For more information on the Avon Memorial Day Parade, click on this link.