story & photo
by K.A. Breton
(l-r) Members of the Paul Houghton Detachment Marine Corp. League: George Viens, Richard Harrington, Commandant, William Lee Jr., Vice Commandant and Stephen Sears marched in the Town of Plainfield’s Memorial Day Parade.
Every year, the last Monday in May is set aside as an observance for Memorial Day. Sometimes called Decoration Day or Poppy Day, it is to honor those Americans who gave the supreme sacrifice for our country, their lives.
On May 30, the Town of Plainfield held their annual Memorial Day Parade, a tradition for as long as most residents can remember. This year, it was sponsored by the American Legion. The parade started off on Victoria Drive, and the mile and a half route ended at the American Legion.
Marching in the parade were the Plainfield High School Panther Band, Drum Line and Color Guard. It also included Boy Scouts Troop 36 of Moosup and Cub Scouts All Hallows Pack 36. The VFW, American Legion and Veterans joined ranks, along with the Paul Houghton Detachment Marine Corp. League. Local firefighters and emergency personnel were there, blowing their horns to the delight of the children lining the parade’s route.
I remember when everyone would stand and salute while soldiers and veterans would walk by – a show of respect and honor for those who fought for our freedom. We appreciate those men and women that have fought for our rights and gave their lives, and also for those that continue to fight.
