SIMSBURY, CT — The Town of Simsbury, the Village of Tariffville, American Legion Post 84 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1926 will host Memorial Day celebrations on Monday, May 25, featuring parades, ceremonies and a free community concert.
The day will begin with the Tariffville Memorial Day parade at 9 a.m.
The parade will start at the corner of Winthrop Street and Main Street and proceed toward the Tariffville/St. Bernard’s Cemetery, where a memorial ceremony will follow.
Later in the day, the Simsbury Memorial Day parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of Owens Brook Boulevard and Hopmeadow Street.
Marchers will continue along Hopmeadow Street to the Simsbury Veterans Memorial for a ceremony honoring military service members who died while serving the country.
Ahead of the Simsbury parade, the Simsbury Community Band will perform a free mini-concert from noon to 12:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Simsbury Historical Society.
Organizers said limited seating will be available for the concert, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Residents are invited to attend the events and support local veterans during the community’s Memorial Day observances.
Memorial Day honors military service members who died while serving in the United States armed forces.
The holiday originated after the Civil War as “Decoration Day” and became a federal holiday in 1971.
Memorial Day event traffic
Simsbury police Thursday announced Memorial Day parade road closures and detours for May 25.
The Simsbury Police Department is advising motorists to expect traffic delays and road closures during the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25.
Police said Hopmeadow Street will be closed to traffic between Drake Hill Road and Owens Brook Boulevard from approximately noon to 3 p.m.
Drivers will be detoured to Iron Horse Boulevard during the closure period, according to the department.
Officials urged residents and visitors to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during the parade and related ceremonies honoring military service members who died while serving the United States.
The department thanked the public for its patience and support during the annual community observance.
Holiday closings, impacts
In addition to Monday's ceremonies, Simsbury municipal offices and schools will be closed for the day.
Those include the Simsbury Public Library, offices at Simsbury Town Hall, and other municipal sites.
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