Memorial Day Celebrated Despite Rain

Despite the rain, thunder and lightning, Suffield's Memorial Day ceremony forged ahead at the Suffield High School on Monday.

The parade, which would have started on Ffyler Place, gone up Mountain Road, around the town green and ended with a ceremony at the veterans memorial, was moved into the Suffield High School auditorium following early morning showers and thunderstorms.

A crowd stil came to the ceremony at the high school, which was pushed back an hour from the original parade start time of 9 a.m.

Among the crowd were boy scout groups, girl scout groups, the Suffield Fire and Police departments, a smattering of veterans and other town and area residents.

The ceremony was lead by the Officer of the Day, John Woods, who has been part of Suffield's Memorial Day celebrations since the 1970s.

Traditions were upheld during the celebration, including the massing of the Color Guard, the Suffield High School band playing patriotic songs, the customary prayers, and readings from locals including the Gettysburg Address.

Senior Master Sgt. Robert Cross made the Memorial Day address this year, which focused on honoring those who gave their life during their service for the country.

“Remember those who fought, those who died and those who came today ready to do the same,” said Cross. “Those who, at a great cost, gave us the priceless gift of freedom we enjoy every day.”

Following the speech, the VFW Honor Guard gave their traditional salute to the dead by firing shots outside the school auditorium in honor of those fallen.

A flyover from fighter planes stationed in Windsor Locks could be heard but not seen from the auditorium.