Memorial Day 2023 In Canton, What You Need To Know

CANTON, CT — A solemn holiday that also marks the unofficial start to summertime activities will be remembered in Canton via the annual Memorial Day Parade.

The parade steps off at 10 a.m. with marchers assembling at Canton Intermediate School at 9:30 a.m.

The parade begins by heading south on Dyer Avenue; taking a right onto Maple Avenue; taking a left onto Main Street; taking a right onto Center Street and proceeding to the Village Cemetery where a memorial service will be held.

Local veterans are invited to attend and the parade organizers will even provide rides for veterans if they're not up to marching.

"Join the Town of Canton as we honor all those who serve and sacrifice for our freedom. We understand that many of the older veterans may not be up to marching," wrote the Town of Canton in a parade announcement. "For that reason, we would like to offer veterans both the opportunity to ride in the parade and to be picked up prior to the parade."

Meanwhile, the Canton Community Center will be open to veterans for coffee and doughnuts on parade dayat 8:45 a.m.

Veterans planning to participate in the parade, need a ride or would like to be picked up prior to the event, can contact Melissa Denton, executive assistant, at 860-693-7841.

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

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.