Raynham's Memorial Day Parade Draws Strong Turnout Despite Rain
Veterans, community members brave weather for 11th annual event featuring five divisions, bands and floats
RAYNHAM - May 27 - Raynham's 11th annual Memorial Day parade saw strong participation from community members and local officials despite occasional raindrops along the three-mile route.
The parade featured five divisions with bands, floats, and a trolley carrying veterans through town, highlighting the community's commitment to honoring those who served.
Among the participants was Norm Poirier, a veteran in his late 80s, who insisted on walking the entire parade route alongside Interim Veterans Agent Chris Buckley.
"I want to thank everyone who participated in the planning and preparation for our 11th annual Memorial Day parade," Board of Selectmen Chair Pat Riley said during the May 27 meeting. "Thank you to everyone who walked or rode in the three-mile parade route. In spite of a few raindrops here and there, we had five divisions with bands and floats and the trolley with veterans riding in it and walking around it."
The parade planning involved extensive coordination between town departments, with Police Chief David LaPlante and Captain Peter Beatrice attending all planning meetings to ensure safety along the route.
"They attended all of our planning meetings and were hugely helpful," Riley noted.
The Raynham Fire Department provided significant support for the event. Fire Chief Bryan LaCivita and his department contributed to the parade's success with fire engines, an ambulance, and the fire department float.
Selectman Joseph Pacheco expressed appreciation to the fire department during the meeting, specifically acknowledging Jason Karns who coordinated efforts for the parade.
"I do want to thank you and the members of your department for all the support and participation in our Memorial Day parade," Pacheco said to Chief LaCivita.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was also on-site to assist with the event, adding another layer of safety support.
Special recognition went to the parade's coordinator, Becky George, who helped organize the volunteers and participants. American Legion Post 405 members participated in both the parade and the ceremony that followed.
"I mean all of our veterans because they are the reason for the parade, for the ceremony and for the occasion," Riley said.
The parade represents a significant community tradition in Raynham, bringing together residents of all ages to honor veterans and active military personnel.
Highway Superintendent Norm Sturtuvent and his crew contributed to the event's success by setting up flags ahead of the Memorial Day parade and ensuring the route was properly prepared.
"They set up the flags ahead of the Memorial Day parade," Sturtuvent reported during his department update at the meeting.
The parade coincided with other community activities in Raynham, including preparations for the annual fishing derby at Johnson's Pond Park, which Sturtuvent mentioned had "a good turnout and good weather" when it took place two Saturdays before Memorial Day.
Town Administrator Gregory Barnes was among the officials who participated in the day's events, joining other town leaders in recognizing the importance of the occasion.
The Memorial Day observances included a ceremony following the parade, providing an opportunity for formal recognition of veterans' service and sacrifice.
Riley emphasized that the strong turnout for the parade demonstrated the community's respect for veterans and appreciation for their service.
"It was excellent and just proud of everybody that attended and participated in that," she said.
The parade's success came just one week after the town held its annual town meeting, which saw record attendance. Selectman Pacheco noted it was "the biggest I've ever been to in about 20 years."
The Memorial Day parade and ceremony serve as important reminders of the sacrifices made by service members and provide an opportunity for the community to express gratitude.
"Our veterans because they are the reason for the parade, for the ceremony and for the occasion," Riley reiterated.
The event's success despite challenging weather conditions highlights the community's dedication to honoring veterans regardless of circumstances.
Planning for next year's Memorial Day observances will begin in the coming months, with town officials already considering ways to build on this year's successful event.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of the Raynham Channel.
This article was generated through use of artificial intelligence. Please contact us with any accuracy concerns.