2020 Salem Memorial Day Neigborhood Car Parade

The Salem Memorial Day Parade Committee will lead a small delegation of Salem Military Representatives and Town officials in a Memorial Day Neighborhood Drive-Thru Parade on Monday, May 25, 2020 from 10:00 am. to 11:00 am.

Earlier this month, the “In Person & Public” Memorial Day Parade and Service on the Salem Town Green was CANCELED due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Many towns are simply canceling all Memorial Day events. Committee members never imagined a scenario that would require the cancellation of our Memorial Day Parade.

In honor of Memorial Day, we developed an alternative and will bring this year’s parade to your neighborhoods. Parade participants and routing were greatly limited due to safety issues.

Memorial Day commemorates our fellow citizen soldiers, both women and men who died while in the military service of the United States of America; particularly those who died in combat or as a result of wounds or injuries sustained in combat.

We live in gratitude for their precious gift of freedom. We will not waiver in our efforts to remember our fallen military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, while also recognizing their loved ones who share their sacrifice. Please remember their spouses, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, sisters and brothers in your thoughts and prayers.

Salem residents are encouraged to recognize Memorial Day by remembering those who lost their lives and could not return home, while following appropriate health and safety protocols.

Suggested activities include; participating in the Salem Recreation Department Memorial Day Home Decorating Contest, playing or singing “God Bless America”, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, participating in personal reflections and displaying American Flags and POW / MIA flags on their property. Please share your Memorial Day reflections with your fellow town residents on the Salem CT Town Group Facebook page!

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Salem Memorial Day Parade Committee,

Ed Chmielewski

Salem Memorial Day Parade Committee
First Selectman Kevin T. Lyden, Ex-officio
Selectman Ed Chmielewski, Salem Military Liaison, Major – Infantry, US Army (Retired)
Selectman Ron Labonte, US Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant, USAF (Retired)
CT Executive Director of Military Affairs, Commander Bob Ross, US Navy (Retired)
VFW Commander Steve Buck, Salem VFW, 2020 Memorial Day Grand Marshal, USN-(SSBN)
Captain George Jackson, Outgoing Commander, Salem VFW, US Navy (Retired)
Chief Gene Maiorano, Salem Volunteer Fire Department
Vice President David Kennedy, Sr., Salem Lions Club