Memorial Day 2023 In Simsbury , What You Need To Know

SIMSBURY, CT — A solemn holiday that also marks the unofficial start to summertime activities will be remembered in Simsbury via two separate Memorial Day Parades.

One parade is in Tariffville in the morning while the other one is in the center of Simsbury in the afternoon.

• American Legion Post 84 and VFW Post 1926 are behind both parades, the first one being in the Tariffville section of Simsbury at 9 a.m. step-off time for the Tariffville Memorial Day Parade.

Parade participants will gather at the Tariffville Green between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m., with marchers gathering at the corner of Winthrop and Main streets.

When the parade starts, participants march up Winthrop Street, pause at the firehouse to place a ceremonial wreath there, then continue along Winthrop before turning right into St. Bernards Cemetery.

Here, a special Memorial Day ceremony will take place prior to a small reception at Trinity Church nearby.

In the event of poor weather, Trinity Church will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at the time of the parade, though the weather forecast is calling for favorable conditions.

• Later in the day, at 1:30 p.m., the annual Simsbury Memorial Day Parade will step off.

For this event, participants will gather at 12:45 p.m. at Liberty Bank, 981 Hopmeadow St.

Marchers will start at the corner of Owens Brook Boulevard and Hopmeadow Street en route to Winterset Road.

The parade will end at the Simsbury Veterans Memorial in the center of town, where a special Memorial Day ceremony will take place after the parade.

In case of inclement weather, Eno Hall will host a Memorial Day ceremony.

For more information on the parades, click on this link and scroll down.

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.