Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshals Announced In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden will present its 85th Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29, beginning at 10 a.m. at Hamden High School and continuing north along Dixwell Avenue to Hamden Middle School, where a Remembrance Ceremony will immediately follow.

“The parade will serve as a tribute to the sacrifices of our veterans and a source of pride to our citizens,” officials wrote in a news release.

The Hamden Veterans Commission has again selected a veteran and a citizen who have “exhibited ongoing dedication and support of veterans in our community” as grand marshals.

Hamden’s Memorial Day Parade Military Grand Marshal is Tyrone Mitchell, retired Captain of the U.S. Air Force, Armament/Nuclear Munitions Specialist. He served on Hamden’s Veterans Commission for nine years, while contributing to many other efforts advocating for veterans in Hamden and statewide.

Hamden resident Daniel Sparks was selected as this year’s Civilian Grand Marshal. He is President and Co-Founder of Honor Flight CT. This organization honors veterans of foreign wars by flying them to Washington, D.C. to visit national memorials.

“Although never having served in the armed forces, Dan has a passion for those who have,” the news release states.

The Remembrance Ceremony immediately following the parade will be held inside the Hamden Middle School Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 2623 Dixwell Ave.

“It will commemorate the true meaning of the day, remembering those who have lost their lives in service to their country,” according to the news release. “At this time, Parade Grand Marshals Tyrone Mitchell and Daniel Sparks will be honored. The ceremony will feature remarks from the Veterans Commission, Mayor Garrett, and other guests. Wreaths will then be placed outside at the Veterans Monument. Please join us as we remember and honor all those who sacrificed so we could exercise and enjoy the many freedoms we have.

“The Town of Hamden would be honored if current members of our Armed Forces would join us. Many local organizations register to march in the parade.”

Anyone interested in participating in the parade is asked to email this completed form to mdp@hamden.com; return in person; or mail to:

Office of the Mayor

Town of Hamden

2750 Dixwell Ave.

Hamden, CT 06518

The deadline for parade reservations is Monday, May 22.

For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office at 203-287-7100.