North Haven's Memorial Day parade is a local staple. Widely regarded as one of the best parades in the state, it was attended by Gov. M. Jodi Rell in 2007, and by many other state dignitaries before and since – and it would not be possible without the work of two veterans who commit enormous amounts of time and energy to making it all come together.

Since 2001, Charles Morrissey and Daniel Riccio Jr., two members of North Haven's American Legion Post No. 76, have worked together to organize both the Memorial Day and Columbus Day parades – and their hard work has not gone unnoticed.

Traditionally, the commander of Post 76 is charged with organizing the parade, but despite changes in their titles, Morrissey and Riccio have continued to work as a team to organize both parades.

Morrissey served as the commander of Post No. 76 from 2001 to 2004, when he was succeeded by Riccio, the current post commander. After serving as post commander, Morrissey served as the commander for District 2, which encompasses all of New Haven County, from 2005 to 2008.

In 2008 he served as the American Legion's Senior Vice Commander for the State of Connecticut, before ascending to the state organization's highest office in 2009.

As the State Commander, Morrissey is the primary administrator in charge of Connecticut's 152 posts – home to about 35,000 legionnaires. He is also this year's parade marshal.

“They work very well as a team, and our Memorial Day parade, in my opinion, is one of the top parades in the area,” said First Selectman Michael Freda.

According to Riccio, the entertainment for this year's parade has not yet been finalized, but he estimates that there will be at least 65 to 70 marching units.

The parade will feature a Sheridan tank from the Military Museum of Southern New England in Danbury.

Riccio is also working with the National Guard to coordinate a fly-over like the one at last year's parade.

In addition to their work with both parades, Riccio and Morrissey help organize other events and activities that highlight veterans' service to our country, including the “What it Means to be an American” essay contest and Montowese Elementary School's Flag Day celebration.

The essay contest is open to students enrolled in any of North Haven's elementary schools. The winning essay is read aloud at the parade.

The Flag Day activities at Montowese are planned in cooperation with fifth-grade teacher Steven Wronski and principal Anthony Mancini. Veterans attend a luncheon at the school and speak to the students about their war experiences.

“I very much admire Dan Riccio and Charlie Morrissey,” said Freda. “They do an outstanding job representing Post 76 and, in Charlie's case, representing the American Legion on a broader level. Their energy, passion and tireless work for Post 76 veterans is truly appreciated by the town of North Haven and, on a personal note, I truly enjoy working with both of them.”

“We love the parades,” said Riccio. “We do it every year. As soon as we finish, that following Monday we start planning for next year.”

Although Morrissey and Riccio, along with Post 76's Adjutant Commander George Thompson, do a lot of the legwork, they credit the community with playing an instrumental role in the parade's success.

“Nothing happens with this parade unless the town supports us,” said Riccio. Among others, Riccio said that North Haven Police Chief James X. DiCarlo and Fire Chief Vincent Landisio both play an integral role in making the parade happen.

Both Morrissey and Riccio see community service as a glorious burden, much like the call to serve.

“Today veterans are active in most communities and give back a lot in the way of services,” said Morrissey. “One of the sayings that appears on many pieces of literature for the American Legion is ‘Still serving America’; you served once as a veteran, and now you are serving your town and state.”

“Veterans have helped preserve all the ideals that Americans have held to be important since the time this country was founded,” said Morrissey. “They've defended the country, and they've defended our rights and liberties since 1776.”

Morrissey and Riccio's commitment to bettering the community has helped Post 76 distinguish itself as one of the most commendable posts in the state. Post 76 has received five citations for their work from the Connecticut American Legion and two from the national organization.

In 2009, Riccio received the Connecticut American Legion's Americanism award, the second highest honor they give.

Post 76 extends an open invitation to any veteran who wants to be part of the American Legion. All veterans are welcome to join the post and to participate in the parade.

“It's been a great honor for me as first selectman to work with Dan and Charlie and to be involved with all of our veterans,” said Freda. “They are role models for each and every one of us.”