Rain ‘never stops' Vernon Memorial Day parade tradition
While several Connecticut cities and towns canceled their Memorial Day weekend parades because of rain, one Vernon tradition carried on as planned.
Among those participating was State Rep. Tim Ackert, an Air Force veteran who said he has attended the event for the past decade regardless of the weather.
“Think about somebody that gets into a helicopter or sits in a tank or is on the battlegrounds,” Ackert said. “They’re going through cold, they’re going through heat, they’re going without food. That’s why you come out in a little bit of rain and really do this job.”
Ackert said Memorial Day should remain focused on honoring those who died serving the country.
“Sometimes you think about a barbecue or the start of summer,” he said. “The real tradition should be keeping those thoughts and prayers with the people that we lost and the families that have had some of their loss.”
Dozens of people joined the parade despite the steady rain during America’s 250th anniversary year celebration.
Participants included a Betsy Ross reenactor and Revolutionary War-themed displays.
“It’s all about the church to the Revolutionary War,” one participant said. “Over in that car, I have a Revolutionary War soldier.”
Organizer Linda Welles said the event is rooted in honoring veterans and service members.
“I honor the veterans and everything that they have done for us and continue to do for us, all our service people,” Welles said.
After gathering at the church, the group marched around the block to Mount Hope Cemetery.
There, participants read the Gettysburg Address, played drums and fifes and paid tribute to fallen service members.
Mayor Dan Champagne, who also served in the military, said Memorial Day is about remembering those who never returned home.
“I served, Tim served,” Champagne said. “Just realizing that some did not come home. They gave what we’re in for right now. Thinking about those that are coming home from that and the families left here, that’s why we come.”
From breaking news and local politics to art exhibitions, live music, high school sports, small businesses, and cultural events, we celebrate the people and places that make Connecticut unique.