VFW, Town Of Stratford Cancel Memorial Day Events

Press release from the Town of Stratford:

May 21 2020

STRATFORD – In consideration of continuing Executive Orders on social distancing and with other logistical concerns relative to the response to COVID-19 outbreak, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9460 and the Town of Stratford have made the decision to cancel the 2020 Memorial Day parade and ceremony on Academy Hill for the Town of Stratford. The events would have been held on Monday, May 25th.

“This is a difficult decision to make, but it’s the right one,” said Mayor Laura R. Hoydick. “We take great pride in our annual recognition of those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice during this nation’s time of armed conflicts. However there remain concerns about public gatherings in our collective attempt to continue to fight the spread of COVID-19. Stratford has a great veteran community, and we appreciate their understanding as we look to alternative ways to honor our veterans and those who died in the service of our country.”

“As much as we love honoring our Veterans the VFW Post 9460 agrees with Mayor Hoydick on the cancellation of the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony for 2020,” said Steve Evangelista, Commander of the VFW Post 9460. “The safety and well-being of our veterans, members and town citizens is our number one concern, and we feel we can not hold an appropriate parade and ceremony while adhering to social distancing without undue risk. We hope to hold an appropriate ceremony when everyone can gather safely. We will communicate details of that future ceremony when they are available.”

This press release was produced by the Town of Stratford. The views expressed here are the author’s own.