It was a perfect day for a parade on Monday in Old Lyme and our wonderful town hosted yet another parade filled not only with mirth and merriment, but also pride and patriotism.
Huge thanks to our fantastic photographers, Troy Clark, Michele Dickey, and Mary Jo Nosal.
The Lyme-Old Lyme High School band, under the direction of Mr. Jay Wilson, leads off the parade.
VFW members march into view soon after …
… followed by Old Lyme’s First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder (front left), Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal, Selectman Chris Kerr (back right) and State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd), who acknowledge the cheering crowd.
The three winners of the fifth-grade essay contest, “What Memorial Day Means to Me” ride proudly in the parade. It’s said that one of the best perks of winning the contest is to ride in that red convertible toward the front of the parade! The winners are, from left to right: Silver Medalist Jonathan Farrell, Gold-Medal Winner Carter McGinchy, and Second Runner Up Carlson St. Louis. All attend Lyme Consolidated School.
For perhaps the first time in the parade, a pull-toy bunny chases after a people-powered red wagon. Will it ever catch up?
Another parade first? Members of the Shoreline Roller Derby—an all-female roller-skating league from Groton (think the former Melody Skating Rink)–dazzled spectators while handing out fliers.
The Nightingales Precision Ukulele Band also incorporated a few kazoos …
Members of the Old Lyme Historical Society look resplendent in a horse-drawn wagon.
The Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School Band, directed by Ms. Carrie Wind, performed without music during the parade’s return trip as well!
Pearl Harbor survivor Floyd Welch is a reminder of the real meaning of the holiday.
Lyme-Old Lyme High School’s Techno-Ticks demonstrated a device all along the parade route that tossed baseball-sized beach balls into the crowds lining the route. Some who caught the balls returned them, while others kept them as souvenirs.
The Deep River Fife & Drum Corps play their hearts out …
… while one of Old Lyme Fire Department’s trucks, filled with excited children, follows it down the parade route.
The New London Firefighters Pipes & Drums bring the spirit of Scotland to the parade, and …
… members of the Old Lyme Fire Department (OLFD) look splendid in red and black.
This OLFD member carries flowers into the cemetery …
… to join fellow OLFD members standing in line ready for the cemetery service to begin.
State Senator Paul Formica (R) helps Pearl Harbor survivor Floyd R. Welch from his car …
Mr. Welch makes his way to the service, assisted by Senator Formica and a second gentleman.
Old Lyme Fire Department Chaplain Mervyn Roberts, assisted by two members of the OLFD, heads towards the American Legion tent for VIP guests at the service.
Chaplain Roberts gives his traditional speech at the service.
Commander William Appleby (in sunglasses) looks on attentively while Chaplain Roberts speaks.
Old Lyme First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder (D) stands with Old Lyme Selectman Chris Kerr (R), State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd) and State Senator Paul Formica (R-20th)
Chaplain Roberts (second from left) sits with the three essay winners on the front row of the American Legion tent.
What a grand day with so many memories!
Awesome! Thank you for sharing!