Tolland Gearing Up For Annual Memorial Day Activities

TOLLAND, CT — Tolland is gearing up for its annual Memorial Day parade and observance ceremonies.

Organized by the Tolland Permanent Celebration Committee, along with Tolland's Veterans Recognition Commission and the VFW Post 241, the parade is scheduled for Sunday (May 28), rain or shine.

Scheduled to participate are local businesses, community groups, schools, athletic organizations, floats, antique cars, the Connecticut First Company Governor's Horse Guard, Middletown PBA Pipes & Drums, the 5th Connecticut Regiment Re-enactors, the Tolland Fire Department, and other participants as they march in tribute to our fallen heroes. PCC members will distribute free flags for onlookers and additional giveaways may be offered by parade participants.

Brian Foley, Town Manager said of the event, "The Town of Tolland has been the hometown to so many brave and honorable U.S. military veterans for hundreds of years. We hope our community comes together on our Tolland Green Sunday to salute them all. Thank you to all the veterans, volunteers and the PCC who have all made this event possible year after year."

The parade will kick off at the Preschool of the Arts, located at 684 Tolland Stage Road, and proceed along the Tolland Green. The parade will pause at the Veterans Memorial, located on the Green, for a brief wreath-laying ceremony. The parade will continue toward Old Post Road, turn right, and end at Tolland Intermediate School at 104 Old Post Road, where the observance ceremony will commence.

The observance ceremony which will include an invocation, singing the national anthem, patriotic musical solos, a gun salute by the re-enactors, wreath laying by Tolland’s BSA troops, a Taps tribute by the Tolland High School Brass, and a benediction.

Tolland Historical Society President Kathy Bach and U.S. Veteran, Jonathan Turner are this year's parade announcers and the Hon. Thomas Farrish (USMC Ret.) will emcee the ceremonial service.

The Tolland Town Hall rear entrance will be open from noon to 3 p.m. for public viewing of the Veterans Wall of Honor.

Access to restrooms will also be available. Parking will be available at the town hall.