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Community Corner

Crowds Turn Out for Portland Memorial Day Parade

Early clouds gave way to sun as marching bands and Governor's Horse Guards entertained onlookers.

Main street was lined with spectators on Sunday, many of whom brought folding and canvas chairs. Many had spots picked out an hour before the parade would pass by. They ranged from toddlers to senior citizens, with all watching with keen interest. Most were paying respects to military men and women at war, and the service of veterans in past wars. Others, especially the young, took in the pageantry, color and music. 

The parade music was supplied by a number of bands and a fife and drum core.

During the few lulls, popular music also drifted to the ear from outdoor yard parties a block or two away The neighborhood cookouts and gatherings also marked the first big holiday of summer. 

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Skies started with some clouds Sunday with the sun winning out for good just as the parade marched down Main Street and reached the Portland business district.

The parade passed under a dramatic large American flag supported high up on two corners from silver ladders extended skyward from two fire trucks. The trucks were from Portland and East Hampton and were parked on opposite sides of Main Street. They made a striking archway for the parade. The giant flag was set up in front of the Post Office and just before marchers reached Middlesex Avenue and the reviewing stands at the Brownstone Intermediate School.

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The first group of marchers to arrive at BIS and the reviewing stand was the honor guard. Just behind were officers of the Portland American Legion marching with the special guest for the parade, Private First Class Aaron Malecky. Malecky is on leave from his unit in Afganistan. 

The men were all in uniforms of different services and eras and stopped while a color guard shot off a 21-gun salute. The loud report of the guns caused some spectators to jump and young children to hold their ears.

There were homemade floats and winners were announced as they reached the reviewing stand. A Boy Scout Troop won first prize for a float with replicas of the three town monuments for veterans. The Power Squadron won second place for a stylized boat with safety message. Cub Scout Pack 15 took third place. 

The scouts had a number of marching contingents along with parents. 

Students from the Portland Middle School band filed by in bright blue shirts. 

The Shriners had a full contingent with members operating mini cars and bikes with stunning precision. The children were delighted by the antics of the drivers. There were marching clowns dressed as old fashioned police. Another Shriner display that captured attention was a truck with metal ramps on the front and back. Men driving small cars zoomed up the back side of the ramp and came down the ramp in front of the truck. The small cars made loud clanking noises as they maneuvered on and off the truck that was moving as the performance took place. The Shriners also had a special yellow bus with a band inside.

By far the most impressive band was from Portland High School with its many members playing an array of instruments including trumpets, tubas and drums. Their red uniforms were brilliant, becoming incandescent, as the sun got stronger in the afternoon. Their music was loud and precise and impressed spectators. 

The parade ended at Portland Town Hall after making a loop down Waverly Avenue and turning up East Main Street. 

Many of the marchers and some spectators slowly gathered in the lush green park behind town hall. 

There was a gathering of town officials and veterans in formal uniforms in front of the Veteran's Memorial with three grey stones etched with the names of veterans. They took their places near a simple podium as the high school band played the National Anthem. A benediction was given by Pastor James Reemts of the Zion Lutheran Church.

Following that was a solemn slow perfect reading of names of Portland veterans who passed away in the last year. It was a long list, and after it was done, two trumpeters played taps. They played in tandem answering each other with refrains.

First Selectman Susan Bransfield thanked the active members of the armed service for their dedication and all veterans including some who paid the highest price to keep our freedom. 

Then it was Pvt. Malecky's turn to speak. He was brief but eloquent.

Malecky said the hardest part of the war was not the for the soldiers and service people fighting it.

"We are willing to be there and we're professionals," he said.

If we lose a combrade he said it's unfortunate, but "a price we know is possible" in the course of combat operations. He said a training sargeant once explained the hardest battle is actually here at home and "that the cost of freedom is often a folded flag" given to a family who lost a son or daughter in service to their country. Malecky said the sargeant also said the tough job here at home includes families always wondering, and fearful a chaplain or priest will be calling at their door. 

Later, Malecky told reporters the most important thing for soldiers on combat patrol is to focus completely on exactly what's in front of them. If you do that he said their training will take over and most always "we'll be alright."  He spoke with quiet conviction and a steady gaze.

Malecky will soon be rejoining his Army unit in Afganistan  It is Charlie Company, a combat team of the 170th Infantry Brigade.

Malecky, a 2006 graduate of Portland High School, is the son of Susan and Tom Malecky, both of whom were present for the ceremony. State Representative Christie Carpino was also on hand along with many local elected officals and town officers.

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