Greenwich To Honor COVID-19 Responders, Police Department

GREENWICH, CT — The sounds of bagpipes will echo throughout central Greenwich on Sunday, as the community will gather for "The Wearing Of The GREENwich Thank You Parade & Tattoo."

A tattoo is essentially a competition, or friendly exhibition, for bagpipers.

The parade will celebrate the Greenwich Police Department's 125th anniversary, and honor first responders, health care workers and essential employees who have worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event was originally scheduled to take place last September, but rising COVID-19 cases forced a postponement.

Hosted by the Greenwich Police Emerald Society and the Combined Organization of Police, the parade is free of charge and open to all.

Marchers will step-off from Greenwich Town Hall at 1 p.m. and go up Field Point Road to the Post Road, and down Greenwich Avenue. The parade will then head north on Arch Street and make a left on Bolling Place, and go into the park behind Town Hall.

The parade will be led by 100 police motorcycles, a team of police mounted horses, 10 bagpipe bands and police honor guards from around the country. First responders, medical staff from Greenwich Hospital, and essential workers including local grocery store employees will participate as well, either on foot or in convertibles.

Overall, up to 1,000 people could be involved in the parade, said Capt. James Bonney of the GPD. Bonney, who plays bagpipes in the Greenwich Pipe Band, helped spearhead the event.

Once in the park, bagpipe bands will show off their skills and also perform in a mass band. Other celtic-themed performances are planned, too.

After a year's postponement, Bonney said he can't wait for the parade to finally begin.

"It's a lot of work and hopefully it all comes to fruition and is a hit. I hope that the people of Greenwich come and see it. It's going to be something like we've never had in Greenwich before," he said.

Bonney said the idea for the parade came after he saw so many people working hard and making sacrifices day after day throughout the pandemic. He wanted to make sure that people don't forget their efforts.

"Because [the pandemic is] kind of an ongoing event that's never-ending, I don't want people to forget the fact that all these people did so much and sacrificed themselves when it was really a scary time in everyone's lives. These people were very brave -- the medical people and essential workers. They came in and kept everything running," Bonney said.

Bonney has been playing the bagpipes for about 10 years. For him, there's something special about the unique sound the instrument makes.

"It just seems to hit a nerve with people. Most people get very emotional when they hear it. I think it's just a haunting and beautiful sound," he said. "I always get a very emotional response and it makes people happy, and they thank me profusely when I'm done playing, and it makes me feel good. That's why I do it, and I think that's why a lot of people play the bagpipes."

First Selectman Fred Camillo, who also serves as the police commissioner, will participate in the parade. He also said he can't wait for Sunday to finally arrive.

"I think it's a time to be thankful, grateful, and acknowledge all of the efforts and sacrifices that were made by so many for their fellow residents and neighbors. Even those who won't be there and won't be marching will certainly be in the back of everyone's minds," Camillo said, also mentioning the work the GPD has done over the last 125 years. "So many people did help out, whether or not their job title suggested it. We know that lots of people were selfless, lots of people came forward, and donated their time, money, and materials just so people can stay safe and have some sense of normalcy in their lives."

Camillo expressed confidence that the parade can be held safely since it will be outdoors and Greenwich has a high vaccination rate.

"This is a long time coming. We're excited about it, and I think people will have a really good time," Camillo added. "It'll be a fun event and certainly one that will be remembered for a long time in Greenwich."