Despite the dismal, chilly days preceding it, yesterday turned out to be a picture-perfect day for a traditional, New England small-town Memorial Day Parade and Old Lyme stepped up to the plate yet again with another great display of community and patriotism.
Bands played, drummers drummed, and bagpipes were blown …
… while vehicles of all shapes, sizes and ages, and folk representing almost every sport and organization in the area slowly wound their way down Lyme St. and then McCurdy Rd. to Duck River Cemetery.
There a short service was held under the watchful eye of Master of Ceremonies William V. Appleby, Commander of American Legion Post #41, which included an inspiring speech by Old Lyme Fire Department’s Chaplain Mervin Francis Roberts.
The fifth grade winners of the Post#41 contest, “What Memorial Day Means to Me” read their essays, stirring songs were sung, rifles fired and “Taps” played.
Former Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy C. Griswold (third from left in photo above) was announced as Veteran of the Year. Meanwhile the current Old Lyme Board of Selectmen marched brightly in the parade.
The Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library was charmingly represented by Phoebe herself in full costume, aka Mary Dangremond (photo below.)
Meanwhile up at Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, the Lyme-Old Lyme Lions hosted their highly successful Antique Car Rally. A huge array of vehicles was on show and trophies galore were presented.
It was indeed another memorable Memorial Day in Old Lyme!
That is not Mr. Roberts on the left in the photo above.
It is Rick Colangeli.