Relaxed in lawn chairs along Bailey Road and Route 103, attendees at North Haven’s May 29 Memorial Day Parade enjoyed the 65-unit procession, which included bands, law enforcement, Shriners, and a tank.

On bright, warm day, kids waved miniature American flags and collected candy thrown by marchers. Grillers set up shop on sidewalks to offer hot dogs and burgers. Ubiquitous cart vendors sold balloons shaped like Dora the Explorer, Pikachu and SpongeBob. Parade leaders departed from the middle school around 10:30 a.m., working their way through thousands of spectators to Town Hall, where a presentation followed the hour-long procession.

Additional marchers included Max Sinoway Baseball League, local politicians, twirlers, North Haven Television, Jared Andrew Studio, individuals in memory of Nicole Stepen, bagpipe performers, the North Haven Bible Church, clowns, tractors, North Haven youth football and cheerleading, North Haven youth lacrosse, Peter’s Rock Association, boy scouts, and combatants from our country’s various conflicts.

As always, underlying the festive atmosphere was a remembrance of U.S. veterans.

“This is my eighth year of doing this,” said parade organizer and American Legion Post 76 commander Dan Riccio, a veteran, during the presentation. “It seems like today has had a great deal of acknowledgement to our veterans. You’ve really come out to thank us. For that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

“Veterans gave their lives as a gift of love and patriotism so that we can enjoy our freedom,” Riccio added. “We owe these brave warriors respect, honor, and gratitude.”

Throughout the day, spectators took time to shake hands with uniformed men and women, offering their earnest appreciation.

“This year, the North Haven community was so enthusiastic and patriotic to those marching in the parade,” said speaker Stephen Wronski, a Montowese elementary school fifth grade teacher and a Vietnam War veteran, “More so than I’ve ever seen.”

Parade marshal and statewide American Legion commander Charles Morrissey was first to speak. He pointed out that while living veterans were recognized through many activities, Memorial Day is first a tribute to those who lost their lives or loved ones in America’s defense.

“If you asked those heroes before they died how they’d like to be remembered,” Morrissey said through tears to the crowd gathered around a white grandstand, “They’d say ‘take care of my family.’ The empty seat at the dinner table, the smaller gathering at Thanksgiving dinner, the daughter who has no father to walk her down the aisle – those are the reminders that those heroes are gone.”

In describing veterans’ impact on their country, Morrissey quoted a saying. “It’s the veteran who salutes the flag,” he said. “It’s the veteran, not the preacher, who gives us the right of religion. It’s the veteran, not the reporter, who gives us the freedom of the press. It’s the veteran, not the poet, who gives us the freedom of speech. It’s the veteran, not protesters, who give us the right to assemble. It’s the veteran, not the lawyer, who gives us the right to a fair trial. It’s the veteran, not the politicians, who give us the right to vote.”

“It’s the veteran who salutes the flag, carries the flag, and is buried beneath the flag,” Morrissey added.

First Selectman Michael Freda retold the day’s history. In 1868, he said, General John Logan, then commander of The Grand Army of the Republic, an assemblage of Northern Civil War veterans, decided to honor those who served in the Civil War.

“It has since become a federal holiday,” Freda said. “Through the times, Memorial Day tends to be a celebration with festive parades, baseball games and cookouts. But beneath that festive façade, we must remember the true meaning of Memorial Day: to remember those who made the greatest sacrifice.”

For the 15th consecutive year, Wronski and American Legion post 76 organized a fifth grade essay contest. Approximately 300 students across town wrote on what it meant to be an American. Papers were produced in class only, so that kids alone constructed their work.

Carrie Zeng was awarded fourth place. Ariana Del Vecchio took third place, while Danielle Mixon was recognized as runner-up.

Capturing first place in 2010 was Genevieve Richardson, who read her essay aloud. She said the advantage to being American was rights, freedoms, and values, including freedom of speech and religion, and the right to vote.

Human rights, too, was a benefit to the U.S. “I’m very proud to be a citizen of a country that helps global efforts,” Richardson said.

Richardson also pointed to her nation’s strong army. “They are fighting for our country and helping those in countries of need,” she said.

On a day which celebrated those of his background, Riccio took a moment to thank other North Haven regulars who make a difference in the community. He commended Police Chief James DiCarlo, Fire Chief Vincent Landisio, assistant public works director Victor DePalma, and NHTV executive director Walter Mann.

Lastly, Riccio applauded North Haven music director Ken Tedeschi, who led the NHHS band in several pieces during the program. “He’s probably the best in the state,” Riccio said of Tedeschi.

Afterward, Deacon Richard Santello of St. Michael’s Church in New Haven, gave benediction.

“With somberness we pause and remember the fallen through the decades for the country,” he said. “Families mourn, and ponder what could have been. But veterans do not die in vain. Their testament gives hope, freedom, opportunity, and vision. Today their memorial urges on, encourages service, honors nobility, and stirs hearts,” Santello added. “Our tribute gives thanks, calls forth and salutes goodness.”