Darien Cheers On Veterans, Honors The Fallen

Post Road was awash with veterans, VIPs, and a whole lot of red, white, and blue Monday as Darien turned out in force for the town's annual Memorial Day parade.

Marchers began the day at Goodwives Shopping Center, heading north on Old Kings Highway and Brookside Road before turning south on Post for the longest leg of the route. Hundreds of local residents staked out spots along the way—some perched on the curb, others comfortably settled with camp chairs and coolers.

Led by Darien Police motorcycles and a color guard, veterans from World War II onward processed in a column that included firefighters, convertibles, First Selectman Dave Campbell, and a musical accompaniment from Darien High School's Blue Wave Band.

An array of civic and social organizations—including The Depot Teen Center, Post 53, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, and the Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis clubs—joined in the march as well. Grand Marshal and World War II veteran Walter Ericsson presided over the festivities.

The parade dispersed at Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery, where Monuments & Ceremonies Commission chair Phil Kraft led a more solemn ceremony honoring fallen members of the armed forces amid a sea of flag-garnished headstones.

Participants listened as the names of perished soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen from Darien were read aloud. The roll of honor was followed by an address from Support our Soldiers founder and Darien High School senior Michelle DeSoiza, who spoke about her campaign to send mail to servicemen and servicewomen in the field.

Despite thunderstorm warnings over the weekend, the weather held up for Monday's events. Temperatures were in the low- to mid-70s under clear skies.