On May 26^th, 2025, we commemorate Memorial Day throughout the United States, to honor all who have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Formerly known as Declaration Day, the observance was a time to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. However, after World War I, the holiday was broadened to include all who have died in any war or military action. The federal holiday was formalized in 1886 through a “Memorial Day Order” issued by the Grand Army of the Republic Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan.

As all non-essential Government offices, schools, businesses and other organizations close for the day or weekend, we are given time to mourn our fallen and reignite the desire for permanent peace that lives in all our hearts.

The Red Poppy

The poppy flower serves as a symbol of honor and peace that many Americans choose to wear each Memorial Day in remembrance of all who have died during wartime since World War 1. Many have thought that the red poppy is a symbol of death and support for war, however, the red poppy holds significance as it was the only flower left to sprout and flourish in the war-torn battlefields of 1915. With this beautiful history, red poppies remind us that even after times of destruction and loss, the beauty of life still perseveres. To this day, the flower is seen as a symbol of peace in a world of chaos. The sight of these red poppies thriving amid destruction inspired one Canadian soldier, Colonel John McCrae to release a poem detailing their beauty and significance in 1915.

In Flanders Fields
By Colonel John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly.

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Connecticut Monument Guide:

There are plenty of places right here in Connecticut to pay your respects. Take a look below for a variety of monuments to visit and honor our fallen.

·       Center Memorial Park (Manchester, CT): A historically significant park in the heart of Manchester, which features a Revolutionary War Monument Fountain, Civil War Monument Statue and more.

·       Nate Agostinelli Veterans Memorial Park Dedication: Located at the intersection of Porter and East Center Street, this monument honors Nate Agostinelli, a Manchester resident and former mayor of Manchester who served in the United States Army, US Army Reserve and Connecticut Army National Guard.

·       Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch (Hartford, CT): This historical landmark in Hartford was built in 1886 to honor Hartford Citizens who served in the American Civil War. This is notably the first permanent memorial arch to be created in America.

·       Veterans Memorial Park (Plainville, CT): Established in 1945, this park is home to various monuments and hosts multiple Memorial Day ceremonies each year.

·       Sgt. Stubby Monument (Middletown, CT): This monument is a statue honoring the brave World War I dog, Sgt. Stubby. You can find him at the entrance of Veterans Memorial Park in Middletown.

·       Veterans Monument (Stonington, CT): A memorial honoring all veterans who reside in Stonington.

·       Soldiers’ Monument and Memorial Park (Winchester, CT): This park honors veterans and hosts the town’s Memorial Day celebrations

·       Monument (Groton, CT): A large monument at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton, in remembrance of the defenders of “the fort” during the Revolutionary War.

·       Connecticut Veterans Memorial (West Hartford, CT): A circular wall of black granite in Veterans Park engraved with the names of all West Hartford veterans who lost their lives during their service.

For a guide to more memorial monuments located in Manchester, curated by the Manchester Historical Society, visit here.

Manchester Memorial Day Parade 2025

The Annual Manchester Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9:30 AM for a family-friendly event to honor our fallen veterans.

The parade route will begin at the Army and Navy Club, 1090 Main St., and will conclude at the Center Memorial Park for a Memorial Day Program. In the event the parade is canceled due to inclement weather, the Center Memorial Park Program will be held indoors at The Salvation Army, 661 Main St., Manchester, CT 06040 at 11:00 AM.

For more information, visit Manchester Memorial Day Parade 2025.