Following the unfortunate cancellation of the Memorial Day Parade, a large crowd of West Hartford residents still showed up to honor the fallen, during an emotional and inspirational ceremony.

By Roz Green

Although rain poured from the sky early Monday morning causing the cancellation of the annual parade, the West Hartford community still came together in solidarity and remembrance at the Memorial Day Ceremony, held inside the Town Hall Auditorium. No matter rain or shine, residents of the town still intended on paying their respects to the brave souls who fought for American freedom as the country celebrates its 250th birthday.

To begin the ceremony, James Caley, Post Commander of American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96, welcomed and thanked all the townspeople for attending and honoring the fallen heroes. Following Caley’s introductory statements, and a prayer from Rabbi David Small of Emanuel Synagogue, he then introduced Conard High School student, Solana Colon, to sing her rendition of the National Anthem, which allowed for a moment of reflection for all attendees. 

After a huge round of applause for Colon, Caley introduced Conor M. Tracy, who was to have been the grand marshal for the Memorial Day Parade. As is customary, the grand marshal gives the keynote speech at the ceremony following the parade.

Tracy, who was raised in West Hartford and graduated from Conard High School, entered military service as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps following his graduation from Colgate University in 2000. He went on to become an Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) platoon commander, and deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom serving with Task Force Tarawa in Kuwait and Iraq from January to June 2003. He later became an instructor of leadership and tactics at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, and left the Marine Corps in October 2006 as a captain, returning to West Hartford to attend the University of Connecticut School of Business for his MBA. Tracy is now with Pratt & Whitney as RTX Vice President and General Manager in the Hot Section Module Center in East Hartford.

Tracy shared his stories about his time served in the military. Although his experiences were rewarding, he stated that there were a multitude of hard days he had to experience, and that his wife’s great uncle, Roger, had to go through as well.

Tracy mentioned that after his time spent in the Marine Corps, he got the opportunity to read Roger’s World War II diary. “It described his heroism, his vulnerability, his excitement, his dedication, his fears. And, you read this journal, and you turn page after page … and then one day you turn the page and it’s blank,” said Tracy. 

After concluding his heartwarming and personal stories, Tracy honored the current men and women in service. “We also honor, today on Memorial Day, the families and friends and communities who lost servicemen, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting that tribe, our tribe.”

Following Tracy was State Sen. Derek Slap, who represents West Hartford in the 5th District, and who began his speech by speaking about the deaths that occurred in the military since last Memorial Day – 260 active duty men and women, including 13 in the war with Iran.

He further acknowledged those who didn’t pass during combat, but because of illness and suicide. “About 58% [veterans] are more likely die by suicide than average Americans. So we know that mental health is a real issue,” said Slap. “Honoring sacrifice and service is absolutely important, but from a lawmaker’s perspective, I believe it is not enough. We need to do more to protect all our veterans and to prevent additional death.”

Slap expounded on the importance of mental health, and informed the crowd that he had taken steps to address the mental health crisis, as well as passing legislation to make counseling more available for veterans who may be struggling. He also urges those to do more to destigmatize mental health and its challenges.

“Saying thank you is critical, but that in itself is not enough,” said Slap. 

Following Slap was U.S. Rep. Larson, who shared a few words as well. He mentioned the ultimate sacrifice that the veterans had to make for our freedoms.

“They gave their lives so that we could enjoy our freedoms that, more often than not, people take for granted,” said Larson. He then showed forth his gratitude for the turnout of the event, smiling at all the faces, young and old, in the audience. 

The final speaker at the Memorial Day Ceremony was Mayor Shari Cantor, who gave a powerful speech about the ones who wear the uniform. “The men and women we remember today were Democrats, Republicans, conservatives, liberals, believers, and skeptics. They argued about politics, Americans always have,” said Cantor. “But they put on the same uniform, they took the same oath, and when it came to it, they gave everything for the same country. That is what we honor today.” 

Cantor then shared a personal story, as she had recently taken a visit to an exhibit at the John P. Webster Library at First Church in West Hartford. She urged the attendees to see the exhibit whenever they get the chance, as it left a lasting impact on her, especially during this time of memoriam.

The exhibit honors more than 70,000 Japanese Americans and migrants who were forcibly removed from their homes during World War II. “One line on the panel in the exhibition has stayed with me ever since I read it. It is, ‘Worthy to bear arms and die, but not to grow tomatoes,’” said Cantor. 

She continued by sharing the painful American story, how many individuals who served in the military were not yet citizens. “Some were fighting for a country that was still deciding whether it wanted them,” said Cantor. Her passion was a presence that filled the room, which left the residents of West Hartford, and all of the individuals who attended, with a lot to reflect on. “250 years. That’s what we’re marking this year as a nation. And when I look at who has carried this country across those 250 years, it’s people like those that we honor today, the ones who didn’t wait for America to deserve them,” said Cantor. 

After Mayor Cantor’s captivating speech, closing out the ceremony was Lucas French, student of Conard High School, sounding TAPS, and just for a moment, the whole room was quiet in remembrance for the fallen. A solemn ending to a heartwarming and impactful ceremony. 

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