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And to help honor those who have sacrificed on so many levels, the parade committee has selected Judy Keane to give the Memorial Day Address at a service following the parade on Saturday, May 23.
Many in town are familiar with Keane, through her establishment of the Keane Foundation, in honor of her husband Richard M. Keane, one of three town resident tragically killed on Sept. 11, 2001.
But Judy Keane also knows what it's like to keep the family going when someone serves overseas. Richard Keane served in the Marine Corps and was deployed overseas in 1972 and 1973, including a brief stint in Vietnam and service throughout the Far east.
"We thought Judy would be an excellent speaker," Spellacy said.
Judy raised two babies by herself during those years.
"It's difficult," she said. "It affects more than just service men and women."
Although tragedy would strike years later, Keane knows she was lucky to have her husband return at the time.
"I was thrilled to have him back safe and sound," she said.
Keane also knows that every era is different and she plans to reflect briefly on that aspect, including the differences in communication today.
"Every era has its own characteristics and challenges," She said.
Another era of focus during the service will be World War II.
For parade marshal, the committee has selected Philip J. Cashman, who served in the Marine Corps from 1944 to 1947.
Cashman was part of the burial detail that brought the body of Franklin D. Roosevelt to Hyde Park and served in the South Pacific
"It is an honor to represent all those who have served the county in the military," Cashman said. "Soldier citizens are an essential and honorable part of our democracy."
Cashman is also active in town, having been a past president of the Wethersfield Men's Garden Club, a founding member of the beautification committee, a member of the Wethersfield Historical Society, a volunteer at Hartford Hospital and much more.
"He continues to serve," Spellacy said. "He represents the type of veteran we want to honor."
The parade itself will step off at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 23 from the Department of Motor Vehicles, 60 State St. It will head west on State Street, cross Nott Street and turn left onto Garden Street by Mikey's Place. The parade will continue on Garden Street, turn left onto Church Street, then right onto Main Street. From Main Street it will turn left onto Garden Street, then left on Broad Street and proceed north past the reviewing stand. The parade will then continue north, cross Marsh Street and end at the Village Cemetery, where the "Remembrance of the Dead" services will be held immediately following the parade.
The service will also feature the winner of the 8th grade essay contest of "What Memorial Day Means to Me" as well as selections from the Colonel John Chester Fife and Drum Corps. In addition, the names to residents who lost their lives in World War I, World War II , Korea and Vietnam will be read aloud.
Delivering the Invocation will be the Reverend Donna Manocchio of the Rocky Hill Congregational Church and the Benediction Deacon Seth English of Corpus Christi Church.
The Memorial Day Committee would like to encourage all residents living along the parade route to display the American Flag.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be moved indoors to the Wethersfield High School at 9 a.m. Latest parade information will be announced on WTIC radio station after 8 a.m., and by calling the Parks and Recreation Department program information line at 721-2890.
Want to help?
The Parade Committee is requesting financial contributions for the parade activities this year. Information can be obtained from and contributions made to:
Town of Wethersfield - Memorial Day Parade
c/o Parks and Recreation Department
505 Silas Deane Highway
Wethersfield, CT 06109
