Around Town

Notice: VFW Plans Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony [UPDATED]

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[Note: This article has been updated with new information regarding the parade and fundraising efforts of the local VFW.]

The Town of New Canaan and the Howard M. Bossa and Peter C. Langenus Post 653 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States are pleased to announce plans for a traditional New Canaan Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30th, and Memorial Day Ceremony following the parade at Lakeview Cemetery. Each year we gather to remember with gratitude and honor the proud men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces to protect and preserve a life of freedom for all Americans. All residents are invited to attend the parade and ceremony. This year’s parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church on Oenoke Ridge Road and returns to its former route on lower Main Street.

News

Op-Ed: VFW Post 653 Celebrates 100th Anniversary

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On a cold night in late February 1921, a handful of young veterans of World War I met in New Canaan Town Hall to organize their newly chartered Veterans of Foreign Wars post. At the time, it was one of the earliest Posts in Connecticut. 

A century later, the post, now known as the Howard M. Bossa and Peter C. Langenus Post 653, remains active in promoting and organizing civic and patriotic programs for New Canaan, including organizing and leading the annual Memorial Day Parade and ceremony at Lakeview, Veteran’s Day services at the Wayside Cross on God’s Acre and the placing of flags and wreaths on the almost 1,200 graves of veterans in New Canaan’s many cemeteries. 

Today, the post is led by Francis “Mike” McGlinn as commander. Serving with him are Russ Kimes, senior vice commander, John McLane, quartermaster, Aaron Hall, junior vice commander, Brian Vanderheyden, chaplin, and four trustees, Leon Krolikowski, Frank Gallo, John Calitiri, and Paul Sedlak. The post meets at the Masonic Lodge at 231 Main St. on the second Tuesday of each month.