Monroe Memorial Day Parade, ceremony provides reminders of sacrifice

MONROE, CT — From an appearance by Scooby Doo to pieces of candy tossed to children by scouts, Monroe’s Memorial Day Parade provided plenty of reason for children to smile.
On top of all of that, of course, was the true reason for the parade — honoring those who lost their lives serving our country and protecting our rights and freedom.

Veterans in authentic World War II vehicles were a notable part of the parade which started where Elm Street meets Route 111 and continued past onlookers to the town green.

Girl Scouts, Boys Scouts, Masuk’s conference champion winning softball team, elementary schools, the high school band, emergency responders, and politicians were also part of the parade as the community came together to honor the fallen.

A somber ceremony following the parade put emphasis on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

“It’s very important that we remember that the sacrifices that have been made so we can have this day — we can have our hotdogs and hamburgers and whatever,” Master of Ceremonies David York said.

Monroe First Selectman Terry Rooney pointed out during the ceremony that those who have given the ultimate sacrifice need to be remembered when we enjoy the things we enjoy.

“Without you we would not be able to assemble and do the things we do in our country every single day,” Rooney said.

State Rep. Tony Scott, R-Monroe, commented that while Monroe was not commemorating something positive the community, through the parade, found a way to celebrate Memorial Day in a positive way.

Scott added that the long lineup of flags he saw along and around the parade route served as a tremendous reminder of what has led to our freedom.

At the ceremony, the Parade Committee honored Cpl. Norma Chavez-Bissell, 68, of Monroe, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1975 to 1979 and was discharged as corporal.

Masuk High’s Audrey Lesko sang the National Anthem at the ceremony. Among those on hand were members of the American Legion Post 16 Honor Guard from Shelton.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal described this as “one of the best parades in the whole state — and I go to a lot of them. The magic of this community is really on full display with all the floats and bands and veterans. It’s a real honor to be here.”