Ridgefield Memorial Day Parade To Begin With Rifle Salute On Main Street

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The annual Memorial Day Parade in Ridgefield is scheduled for Monday, May 25,along Main Street.

Due to the weather forecast, the parade, originally scheduled to kick off at 11:30 a.m., will be delayed by one hour. The new parade start time is 12:30 p.m..

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The event honors residents who died while serving in the U.S. military as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of America this year, according to event organizers.

The parade will begin with a rifle salute at the veterans monument in front of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church and conclude with ceremonies at Ballard Park.

Main Street will be closed to traffic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday for the parade.

Memorial Day traces its origins to the years following the Civil War, when communities across the United States began holding tributes for soldiers who died in military service. Originally known as Decoration Day, the observance often included the decorating of graves with flowers and flags, along with parades and public ceremonies honoring fallen troops.

The holiday expanded after World War I to recognize Americans who died in all U.S. wars. In 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May. Communities throughout the country continue to mark the day with ceremonies, wreath layings and parades honoring military service members who died in combat.