Memorial Day is a day on which Americans honor those who have died while protecting the freedoms of our country. Across this great nation, parades will be marched, flags will wave and picnics will be held as we remember all of the men and women who have laid down their lives so freedom can ring.

Niantic’s own Memorial Day Parade has marched both up and down Main Street. Once starting on Grand Street, marches would proceed left on Pennsylvania Avenue before taking a right on Main and continuing till Union Cemetery.

Once gathered at the cemetery, the Memorial Day exercise would commence. Local clergy would offer the invocation followed by poems, readings and songs of a patriotic nature.

The address was given by local men of the times, followed by the benediction. Taps and Echo would conclude the ceremony.

Interested in East Lyme’s past? East Lyme Historical Society welcomes new members and volunteers.

Visit eastlymehistoricalsociety.org for information.