Hamden Memorial Day Parade Canceled Due To Coronavirus Pandemic

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden’s Memorial Day parade has been canceled due to the new coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Curt Balzano Leng and Hamden Veterans Commission Chairman Abner Oakes announced Friday. The parade was scheduled to be held May 25.

“The cancellation of Hamden’s beloved Memorial Day Parade is in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and series of closures and event limitations as directed through Governor Lamont’s and Mayor Leng’s emergency orders,” according to a news release. “While unfortunate, the cancellation of the parade is occurring for the benefit of Hamden’s public health and the safety of our residents.”

The town will celebrate Memorial Day in a “virtual manner, with a proclamation celebrating the many honorable veterans from the Town of Hamden, and across our Nation, who made the ultimate sacrifice,” according to the release. “The town thanks the Veterans Commission and Parade Committee for their dedicated work on this year's parade, and looks forward to a strong and vibrant return in the years to come.”

Leng said, “I encourage all residents to celebrate and reflect on the great sacrifices of our veterans this coming Memorial Day. We owe our lives, our freedoms, and our successes to these great individuals. Hamden will honor our passed veterans as they deserve, and will not lose focus on the memory of their service in these trying times. Thank you for your service, and may God Bless America.”