Tolland celebrated Memorial Day Sunday and honored our country’s fallen service members with a parade and observance ceremony.

The Tolland Permanent Celebration Committee organized the event with help from the Tolland Veteran’s Recognition Commission and VFW Post 241.

“Memorial Day was first officially observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were laid on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery,” said Judge Tom Farrish, U.S. Magistrate, and the ceremony’s master of ceremonies. “Each year, we gather to remember the members of the military who have given their lives to protect us all. We honor them for making this sacrifice.”

Local businesses, community groups, schools, athletic organizations, floats, antique cars, the Connecticut First Company Governor’s Horse Guard, Middletown PBA Pipes & Drums, the 5th Connecticut Regiment Re-enactors, the Tolland Fire Department, and others groups participated in the parade, which passed along the Town Green and ended at Tolland Intermediate School, where the ceremony was held.

“The Town of Tolland has been the hometown to so many brave and honorable U.S. military veterans for hundreds of years. We hope our community comes together on our Tolland Green Sunday to salute them all,” said Town Manager Brian Foley. “Thank you to all the veterans, volunteers and the PCC who have all made this event possible year after year.”

Boy Scout Troop 2 presented the colors, and laid a wreath to honor fallen soldiers. Scout Oscar Usher read the poem “In Flanders Fields,” by John McCrae. Singer Val Rogers, of Willington, said she had performed with the USO for servicemen and women, stationed in many countries, including Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Great Britain.

“I’m also a proud mom,” she said. “A mother of a Marine.”

Rogers performed a rendition of America the Beautiful, before the 5th Connecticut Regiment conducted a three gun salute, and the Tolland High School Marching Band performed Echo Taps.

For more information, visit www.tolland.org.