The Town of Orange Memorial Day Ceremonies and Parade were held on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
Arnold J. Casola was the Grand Marshal – U. S. Army 1944 – 1946, World War II Veteran. James T. Dallas – U.S. Army, 1950 -1952, a Korean War Veteran, was the Chief of Staff.
The Honored Veterans were the American Legion Post #127, Lewis Merritt, Commander.
A special presentation was made to Magdalen (Marge) Cronin for all the years she has made the wreaths for our Memorial Day Services. Marge is a member of the American Legion Post #127 Auxiliary and just celebrated her 100th birthday. Emily Dewey Trudeau, Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney, Judicial District of Fairfield and Bronze Star decorated Veteran was the Keynote Speaker. Diane Raikis sang the National Anthem. Robert Mirto, Esq. was the Master of Ceremonies and Fred O’Brien, Esq. was the Parade Announcer.
Memorial Day was coordinated by Mr. Kevin Gilbert. The services at the Veteran’s Memorial Monument at the Orange Center Cemetery were led by Lewis Merritt, Commander, American Legion Post #127. Wreaths were laid at the monument by the American Legion Auxiliary and the Jewish War Veterans.
We would like to acknowledge those who made the day successful including the Highway Department, the Police Department, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), the American Legion and its Auxiliary, and the Fire Department for the use of their communication radios. A special “Thank You” to Chris Small and his Park & Recreation Grounds Crew for preparing the grounds for Memorial Day, the Orange Cemetery Association in memory of Marjorie Case who bequest funds each year to help defray parade costs, The Orange Foundation for the plaques given to the honorees, Lou Eagle of Eagle Leasing for the use of a flat bed trailer that was used as our reviewing stand, Chris Winkle and the Winkle Bus Company for the use of a bus and driver to shuttle people to and from the cemetery and back to the parade grounds, Tom Hill for the use of two outdoor conveniences, Arnold Cuozzo for the poster boards, Bob Fantarella for his audio system, and Ron Davis, OGAT Coordinator, for the DVD’s of the parade and ceremonies. Lastly, we thank the school readers, the Amity Rugby Club who handed out all the flags and programs during the ceremonies and Philip Kozan for playing taps both at the opening and closing ceremonies.
Generous contributions from private parties and organizations were received to honor our fallen veterans and to support the soldiers who are presently serving our country.
Kevin Gilbert, Memorial Day Coordinator