Tolland Memorial Day Plans Set

By Kate Farrish

The Town of Tolland will hold its 24th annual Memorial Day Parade and Service on Sunday, May 24 at 1 p.m.

Parade units will line up at noon in the Preschool of the Arts/Tolland Senior Center parking lot on Route 74. Held rain or shine, the parade will step off at 1 p.m., travel along the historic Tolland Green, turn right at town hall onto Old Post Road and end at the Tolland Intermediate School. The route is 7/10s of a mile.

A solemn ceremony will follow on the school lawn.

The theme of this year’s parade is “Honoring Their Sacrifice” as residents and veterans together reflect on the sacrifice veterans have made when they have given their lives while serving our country.

Elected officials, local sports teams, local civic groups, Girl and Boy Scout troops, veterans groups, school groups and Tolland businesses are invited to march or have a float in the parade. There will be a float contest as well as an essay contest held in May. Antique cars can also take part in the parade.

Tolland-based organizations or businesses that would like to participate can email Kate Farrish, secretary of the Tolland Permanent Celebration Committee, at katefarrish@live.com for details.

The parade and service is sponsored by the Tolland Permanent Celebration Committee in cooperation with the town’s Veterans Recognition Commission and VFW Post 241. The rear door of Town Hall will be open before, during and after the parade so members of the public can view the Veterans Wall of Honor, which lists Tolland residents who have served in the military.