MONROE, Conn. — A procession of marchers and floats will start at lower Elm Street and come up Route 111 to cheering crowds this Sunday for the annual Memorial Day Parade, which will begin at 1 p.m.
Vida Stone, the parade committee co-chair, said the late Lee Hossler will be the veteran honored at a ceremony at the War memorial in front of Town Hall immediately following the parade. Hossler, who was born in Lititz, Pennsylvania, grew up on a family farm, and served as a member of the Civil Air Patrol in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1957 to 1965.
“He was a prominent community leader, dedicated volunteer and long-time resident of the Stepney section of Monroe,” Stone said of Hossler, who passed away earlier this year at age 85. “Lee was widely regarded as the ‘consummate community volunteer.’ His extensive public service left a lasting impact on the local community, earning him the honor of being named Monroe’s Outstanding Citizen in 2017. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy (Dotti), his son Michael and two grandchildren.”
“Perhaps this year, as we observe Memorial Day, we can take a few moments to truly reflect on what those freedoms mean and how they are sustained,” Stone said. “It’s not just about grand battles and historical moments, but about individual acts of courage, loyalty, and love for country that led to the ultimate sacrifice. The ceremony at the War memorial immediately following the parade is as special and as important as the parade itself and well worth attending.”
“For me, it’s a solemn time,” First Selectman Terry Rooney said of Memorial Day. “I know for people around the holiday it’s a long weekend and the start of boating season. I can’t help but go back to what it really means and have family members on just about every war memorial in town. Reading the names, it just reminds me of the sacrifices that were made to protect the American Dream. I find myself wanting to be happy on Memorial Day, but I always feel a lump in my throat when I walk past a member of the military. Freedom is not free.”
“I really want to give a heartfelt thanks to Vida Stone and the parade committee for all their years of organizing this,” Rooney added. “It’s not an easy task. I’m looking forward to seeing the Barnum Festival float this year, as well as other member organizations that are joining us to pay respects to the men and women who lost their lives serving our country.”
Ceremony rain or shine
The weather forecast for Sunday is for a cloudy day with a chance of rain. In the event of rain, the parade will be cancelled, but the ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Monroe Town Hall.
Cancellation information will be announced on WICC, WMNR and on the Town Hall’s Parks and Recreation cancellation line: 203-339-6106.
On the day of the Parade, participants will line up on lower Elm Street, beginning at 12:15 p.m. Marchers should refer to the map included with their application.
Traffic Advisory
The Monroe Police Department reminds drivers that roads surrounding the parade route this Sunday, May 24, will be closed at 12:30 p.m. and no traffic will be allowed in either direction on Monroe Turnpike between the town green and the Monroe Turnpike/Elm Street intersection.
All side streets and shopping plazas will also be blocked preventing vehicles from entering onto the parade route. Police ask drivers to plan their activities in advance to avoid getting stuck on the day of the parade.
All are invited to join in this community event to pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our nation.
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