Letter to the Editor

The Memorial Day Ceremonies and Parade were held on Sunday, May 29, 2011.  George F. Posener, civilian worker for the War Department during World War II, was the Grand Marshal.  Ernest C. Kirchberg, World War II Army Veteran, was the Chief of Staff.  The Honored Veteran was Dominick L. “Mickey” Morazzini, World War II Navy Veteran. Gilbert W. Sanborn, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army for the State of Connecticut was the Keynote Speaker.  Diane Raikis sang the National Anthem.  Robert Mirto, Esq. was the Master of Ceremonies and Vincent Marino, Esq. was the Parade Announcer.

The parade was coordinated by Mr. Kevin Gilbert.  The services at the Veteran’s Memorial Monument at the Orange Center Cemetery were led by Lawrence Czajkowski, Commander, American Legion Post #127.  Wreaths were laid at the monument by the American Legion Auxiliary and the Jewish War Veterans.  The Committee again this year concentrated on increasing civic involvement in the parade and hopes to continue to encourage local organizations to participate in the parade.

Many people help make this parade successful including the Highway Department, the Police Department, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), the American Legion and its Auxiliary, the Fire Department, and the Park & Recreation Grounds Department. 

A special “Thank You” to the Orange Cemetery Association in memory of Marjorie Case who bequest funds to help defray parade costs, The Orange Foundation for the plaques given to the honorees, Eagle Leasing for the use of a flat bed trailer that was used as our reviewing stand,  Chris Winkle for the use of a bus to shuttle people from the cemetery back to the parade grounds, Tom Hill for the use of two outdoor conveniences, the Graphic Arts Department of Amity Senior High School, Pinpoint Pro Motions & Printing for their poster boards, Stitch and Print Logo Wear for their generous contributions, and lastly the school readers and the boys and girls who handed out all the flags and programs during the ceremonies.

Generous contributions from private parties and organizations were received to honor our fallen veterans and to support the soldiers who are presently serving our country.

Kevin Gilbert,

Memorial Day Parade Coordinator