An image from the website of the Derby-Shelton Memorial Day Parade.
DERBY-SHELTON — Strike up the band!
Plans are in the works to bring back a true Valley tradition — the annual Derby-Shelton Memorial Day Parade, which was canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shelton Fire Marshal James Tortora, who serves as parade committee co-chairman, said Tuesday the parade is scheduled to step off May 31.
“The parade has always been important to us,” said Tortora. “This year, due to reduced (COVID-19 restrictions) and vaccinations being administered, the committee felt we could bring the parade back to honor those that served our country.”
Parade observers and participants should follow common sense COVID-19 protocols, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distance.
Tortora, whose late father Alfred served as committee president and organized the parade for more than 40 years, said whatever COVID guidelines are in place at the time of parade will be followed.
The committee is working to round up a list of local organizations, veterans groups, marching bands, fire departments, Boy and Girl Scout troops and others to participate in this year’s line-up.
He said the committee annually solicits local groups from both Derby and Shelton to attend. Any other organizations interested in taking part are encouraged to contact Tortora by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Just how large this year’s parade will be remains to be seen, Tortora said.
“Depending on the amount of participants will depend on the size and route of the parade,” he said, adding the committee just sent out requests for attendance. He said anyone who marched two years ago, and has not been notified, or if their contact person has changed, to email him for information about participating this year.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Lest We Forget.”
Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan, a U.S. Air Force veteran, knows how important it is to honor the brave men and women of the military who made the ultimate sacrifice. He said he’s looking forward to seeing the longstanding Valley tradition make a triumphant return.
Be sure to visit the parade’s website for updates.
“I think it will be wonderful as long as we can do it safely,” Dziekan said. “I don’t think the parade is going to be as large as normal, but it’s great to try to get back to a little normalcy. As long as the spectators practice social distancing and wear masks, I think everything should go well.”
On another positive note, Dziekan said the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration, also cancelled in Derby last year due to COVID, “are a go” this year. The event features fireworks booming in sync from both sides of the Housatonic River in Derby and Shelton.
