Simsbury Honors Its Veterans On Memorial Day

Simsbury honored all veterans and active military personnel with two parades and ceremonies Monday. 

Patch was on hand for the second parade down Hopmeadow Street as well as the ceremony at Eno Memorial Hall. There, Master of Ceremonies Ray Jennings spoke of Memorial Day and noted it started as Decoration Day to honor those who fought in the Civil War. 

He noted the 106 Simsbury residents who gave their life in battle and the 1,385 grave stones on which members of the American Legion Post 84, VFW Post 1926 and Boy and Girl scouts recently placed flags. 

The first parade was held in Pennsylvania in 1867 and the first recorded one in Simsbury was 1917, Jenning said. 

Guest speaker Department of Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz spoke of keeping faith, giving thanks and remembering. She noted those who died, suffered and came back dealing with emotional struggles and more, all for freedom. 

She ended her speech by saying everyone could ask themselves one question — "am I living my life in a way that is deserving of what these individuals gave to me?" 


Patch was not able to make the Tariffville parade. Anyone with photos can email them to John.fitts@patch.com