West Hartford Celebrates Memorial Day 2013

West Hartford's Memorial Day Parade is a time-honored tradition that began with returning World War I veterans in the 1920s.

When the parade stepped off at 10 a.m. Monday morning, there were thousands marching and thousands more lining the sidewalks of Farmington Ave. and South Main St. along the parade route. It's hard to imagine that there is anyone left in town not participating in some way.

This year, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman (sporting a pair of 4-inch red pumps), and U.S. Rep. John Larson joined West Hartford's elected officials and civic leaders in leading off the festivities. Commissioner of Veteran's Affairs Linda Schwartz served as Grand Marshall.

Veterans, civic groups, and boy and girl scouts, as well as baseball, softball, lacrosse, hockey, and rugby teams, and marching bands from the middle and high schools, waved and entertained spectators along the route.

A ceremony at the Veteran's Memorial followed the parade.