Norwalk 2021 Memorial Day Parade Marches On

NORWALK, CT — Though the weather was cloudy and slightly chilly Monday morning, Norwalk residents lined up and down East Avenue anyway to welcome the return of the annual Memorial Day parade.

The parade kicked off from Veteran's Park at 10 a.m. and proceeded down Van Zant Street and East Avenue before concluding at the Norwalk Green. The event was canceled last year, as were most events in town, due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

As coronavirus vaccines continue to roll out in the city, and Norwalk's case rate and test positivity rate continue to decline, the parade was able to make its triumphant return this weekend, albeit in a modified fashion as school marching bands were not featured during the event.

According to the Norwalk Hour, city officials previously said live performers participating in the parade would be restricted to drum lines only to reduce the potential spread of the virus.

City spokesperson Josh Morgan noted some residents in attendance Monday wore masks while others did not, which he noted was acceptable due to state and federal guidance regarding mask wearing for outdoor events.

"The parade went really well, and I think people enjoyed the return to some normalcy," Morgan said. "We all missed the 2020 event, so it was nice to be able to come together this Memorial Day, where we honored three local World War II veterans. It was a smaller parade, but various groups like first responders and scouts participated and marched in the parade."

Police Lt. Joe Dinho said Monday's parade was "excellent" and officers did not encounter any issues during the event.

"I marched in the procession," Dinho said, "and was able to see firsthand that all traffic control measures functioned appropriately that I was aware of."

Dinho also noted state police were instrumental in traffic control, as they closed the off-ramps from Interstate 95 to East Avenue during the event.

"The public appeared to enjoy the event," Dinho said, "and we are thankful to them for joining us along the route."

Though he acknowledged the event was not the typical parade Norwalk residents are accustomed to each year, Morgan noted Jeff DeWitt, who serves as chair of Mayor Harry Rilling's Advisory Military and Veterans Liaison Committee, did a great job organizing the event and adjusting to changing coronavirus protocols and guidelines.

"We're hopeful and optimistic that the 2022 parade will be larger," Morgan said, "and more reminiscent of the parades of previous years."