Community Corner

Branford Honors Its Veterans In Ceremony On Town Green: Photos

A pandemic could not prevent Branford from honoring those who have served in the military.

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Donald Langlois and Dennis Flanigan drop a wreath off the South Montowese Street bridge at the Naval ceremonies. (Photo by Bill O'Brien)
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A wreath was placed at the monument by the flagpole on the Town Green (Photo by Bill O'Brien)

BRANFORD, CT — The Branford Veterans Parade Committee announced back in September that the annual Veterans Day parade scheduled for November 8 was being canceled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The committee also had to cancel the annual Memorial Day Parade back in May. In both cases the committee decided to continue to have brief services on the Green as was done each year before both parades.

The week before the service, committee member Phil Zielinski along with Brian Sibley, organized several scout units and a number of adult volunteers to place 1,700 flags at the towns seven cemeteries on the graves of those that served honorably in the military.

Photo by Bill O'Brien/Sargent Major Brian Miniter played taps at each of the towns' seven cemeteries.
Photo by Bill O'Brien/A wreath is laid at the Civil War monument next to Town Hall.
Photo by Bill O'Brien/The firing squad at the Stony Creek Cemetery.
Photo by Bill O'Brien/American Legion Commander Donald Langlois salutes at the raising of the flag.
Photo by Bill O'Brien/Sgt Philip Zelinski organized the flags that were placed on the 1700 veterans graves at the towns' seven cemeteries.
Photo by Bill O'Brien/Captain Vincent Giordano served as Master of Ceremonies.

Captain Vincent Giordano (US Army) served as the Master of Ceremonies, Pastor Steve Chamberlain of the Free Evangelical Church provided the invocation and benediction, First Selectmen Jamie Cosgrove gave greetings and thanked all those that served in the military and American Legion Commander Donald Langlois gave the address. Members of the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps played several selections.

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