Music Fills The Air On Veterans Day

Under sunny skies Branford’s Veterans Day parade wound its way through the center of town Sunday as veterans of all ages and kids of all ages marched in honor of those who fought and died in America’s wars. But in fact today, November 11, is the day the nation traditionally honors its veterans across the land.

Master Sgt. Walter Zielinksi whose nickname is ​“Sarge,” has been in every one of Branford’s Veterans Day parades for as long as he can remember. At 94 he is now one of the few WWII veterans still with us. 

Before the official ceremony began behind Town Hall, those marching took a moment to catch up.

This Memorial Day parade also marked the first time that First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove presided over the event at the Town Green Cenotaph behind Town Hall. He was joined by retiring state senator Ed Meyer and retiring state representative Pat Widlitz, State Rep. Lonnie Rep and Third Selectman Bruce Storm, among others. 

Tom Sudac, commander of American Legion Post 83, delivered the key address in which he praised the courage, pride and dedication that symbolize Veteran’s Day ​“across the country today.”

Sudac told a story of when he visited a hospital in occupied Japan and was asked to spend time with an Ethiopian soldier who had no visitors. They shared three hours together and at the end of their visit the soldier took an ensigna from his cap and gave it to Sudac. The year was 1950 and he still carries it with him.

After the formal ceremony, the assembled groups took their position in a march that took them up South Main Street and through a circuitous route that eventually led the parade to Main Street where they passed by the reviewing stand.

A highlight of the parade was a special tribute to Sgt. John McCrillis who was honored for being ​“100 years young.” (See top photo)

Here he is in a car of his era.

A parade means music and in Branford music means some special groups.

There’s the famous Stony Creek Fife & Drum Corps.

And the famous Totoket Ancient Fife & Drum Corps, the only all- female Fife and Drum Corp in the state. Totoket is based in Branford. 

The Town band played admirably.

And then there’s the town’s newest fife and drum corps, the one from St. Mary’s School.

Here’s a flute player from Branford High. 

Kids from various schools were in the parade. Typically they were associated with a Boy Scout troop.

Here’s Mike on the back of an army utility truck, holding an American flag scarf. 

The Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard, now based in Branford, was all decked out in honor of the day.

Many came out to view the parade, though attendance in certain sections was sparse. Sammy the dog had a great time. Here he is with his owner, Elyce Siegel and her friends Terry McAvoy and Jack Mushkin. 

Spectators come in all sizes. 

Firefighters marched, led by Fire Chief Jack Ahern who will retire from the fire department next month.

Even Ahern’s favorite fire truck made it into the parade.

Take a Vet Fishing sailed into the parade, all smiles. The organization takes hospitalized vets out to fish on the sea.

The official ceremony concluded with the playing of Taps.

###