Memorial Day 2025: Celebrations Along the Connecticut Shoreline
Memorial Day is a time to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Along the Connecticut Shoreline, communities come together with parades, ceremonies, and events that pay tribute to our heroes. Here's your guide to the Memorial Day events happening on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Old Saybrook Memorial Day Parade
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Downtown Old Saybrook, 155 College Street
Details: The day begins with a Dockside Naval Ceremony at 9:00 AM at Saybrook Point Pavilion, featuring a wreath-laying on the Connecticut River. The parade assembles at 9:30 AM in the Stop & Shop parking lot off Elm Street and steps off at 10:00 AM, proceeding across Route 1 to Main Street, concluding at the Veterans Memorial Monuments on the Town Green.
Essex Memorial Day Parade
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Essex Village Main Street
Details: Participants assemble at 8:45 AM at the foot of Main Street. The parade starts at 9:00 AM from the Essex waterfront, proceeds to the Essex Town Hall for a prayer and salute, and concludes at the Essex Veterans’ Memorial Hall in Centerbrook with a ceremony around 10:30 AM.
Madison Memorial Day Parade & Remembrance Ceremony
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Downtown Madison
Details: The parade steps off at 10:00 AM from the intersection of Samson Rock Drive and Boston Post Road, moving west through downtown Madison. It concludes at the Town Green with a ceremonial military flyover and a remembrance ceremony. Note: Road closures and detours will be in effect from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM along the parade route.
Branford Memorial Day Parade
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Branford Town Green and Main Street
Details: The day's events begin with a ceremonial program at 10:00 AM on the Branford Town Green. The parade steps off at approximately 10:30 AM along Main Street, featuring local veterans, civic organizations, marching bands, and community groups.
Memorial Day Car Show at Lyman Orchards
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Lyman Orchards, 32 Reeds Gap Road, Middlefield
Details: Hosted by RAD STALLIONS, this family-friendly car show honors veterans and features a Salute to the Flag Ceremony at 2:00 PM. Enjoy classic cars, food, games, prizes, and awards. Vehicle registration is a $10 donation to Disabled American Veterans.
East Lyme Memorial Day Parade
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Downtown East Lyme, 159 Main Street
Details: The parade begins at 2:00 PM near St. John's Green, across from the Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut. It proceeds down Niantic's Main Street, ending at the East Lyme Town Hall. Main Street will be closed to traffic starting at 1:30 PM to accommodate the parade.
Plan Your Memorial Day Weekend
Make the most of your Memorial Day weekend by attending these heartfelt events along the Connecticut Shoreline. Whether you're paying tribute to fallen heroes or enjoying time with family and friends, these parades and ceremonies offer meaningful ways to commemorate the day.
For more details and updates on these events, visit our Events Page.
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