SOUTHINGTON, CT — The American Legion Kiltonic Post 72 and local veterans organizations will host Memorial Day ceremonies and a parade throughout Southington on Monday, May 25, honoring military service members who died while serving the United States.
Memorial services will begin early in the morning at cemeteries, parks and memorial sites across town, including Panthorn Park, Memorial Park, Oak Hill Cemetery, Quinnipiac Cemetery, Holy Trinity Cemetery and several other locations.
A joint flag-raising ceremony involving Southington veterans organizations is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Southington Care Center, 45 Meriden Ave.
Organizers said times for the morning ceremonies are approximate and may vary slightly throughout the day.
Participants in the annual Southington Memorial Day Parade are asked to assemble between 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. at the lower parking lot of Derynoski Elementary School on Eden Avenue.
The parade is scheduled to step off at 10:30 a.m.
According to organizers, the parade route will proceed west on Eden Avenue to Liberty Street, continue north through downtown intersections and travel along Center Street and Apple Way before ending on Columbus Avenue, where participating bands, civic groups and community organizations will disperse.
A veterans' ceremony will immediately follow the parade outside the American Legion Home at 64 Main St.
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.
Holiday closings, impacts
Town officials also announced Memorial Day holiday closures.
Facilities closed will include Southington Town Hall, the John Weichsel Municipal Center, Calendar House Senior Center, and the Southington Library & Barnes Museum.
Southington public schools will also be closed for the holiday.
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