| MAY 16, 2013 -- The town will hold its traditional Memorial Day parade Sunday with ceremonies in both Sterling and Oneco.
Judy Lincoln, the selectmen’s administrative assistant and co-chairwoman, with Brenda Lindsay, of the committee planning the observance, said there is a simple reason Sterling’s observance is a week ahead of the traditional Memorial Day weekend.
“This is the only time we can get the band,” Lincoln said. “They have other commitments on the Memorial Day weekend.”
Montville will also hold its parade on Sunday.
Lincoln said the Sterling committee is still working to determine who will be the parade marshal.
Kate Molodich, president of the Ekonk Community Grange, said her organization will have its traditional tractor-pulled hay wagon filled with junior and senior Grangers in the parade.
“We take part so we can show our respect for the veterans who served and honor the memory of those who died in combat,” Molodich said. “Taking part in the parade also reminds people the Grange is part of the community.”
The parade participants will assemble at 10:15 a.m. at the Robert P. Jordan Community Center on Main Street and will march to Sterling Center for ceremonies honoring the town’s veterans.
The parade usually includes town officials, state legislators, the Sterling and Oneco fire departments and civic groups including the Ekonk Grange and local Boy and Girl Scout troops. Music will be provided by the East Woodstock Cornet Band.
The marchers will then regroup at 11 a.m. at the former Sterling Town Hall on Plainfield Pike in Oneco. They will march to the monument in front of the Municipal Building for a remembrance ceremony and continue on to Riverside Cemetery for an additional salute to those who gave their lives in service to their country.
The parade will then return to the Oneco Bridge over the Moosup River for a final ceremony honoring Sterling’s U.S. Navy veterans.
Refreshments will be available for marchers at the Oneco firehouse following the parade. |
