By Cindy Salcedo
Every year, the Byram Veterans Association hosts a parade as a reminder of service, remembrance, and gratitude for memorial day. Located within the Byram neighborhood, the center is merely a structure, but one that speaks to the tradition of honoring the many town men and women who have served in the armed forces. That legacy comes into focus annually on Memorial Day, when the town turns out for the Byram Veterans Parade. But in recent times not so many locals seem to stop by for the parade.
Part of the reason, Greenwich resident Andrea Doty believes, is invisibility. “They should advertise them a little bit more. Make up the page in the papers or something,” she said. Although the parade is so deeply rooted in Greenwich’s history, many residents are not even aware that it exists. In contrast to the larger Memorial Day events in downtown Greenwich or Old Greenwich, the Byram parade goes unnoticed while it offers a unique way for citizens to reflect on veterans service.
The Byram Veterans Parade used to draw out the crowd. “There would be girl scouts, there would be the gymnast society, the school, they would march. Everything.” Doty recalled. Years back, the parade painted neighborhood streets and parks with color, music and neighborhood pride. Today, the parade is smaller. Another reason why parades are shrinking are due to fewer World War II veterans, veterans relocating, which changes sizes of local celebrations.
Although fewer in number, the spirit of the Byram Parade stays strong. Those who do attend are reminded of the larger significance of the day to honor those lost in service and to rejoice over those who returned home. The parade concludes at the Byram Veterans Center, where flags are removed, names are spoken, and veterans are thanked personally.
The center itself is a vital component of the community throughout the year, not just Memorial Day. It is a place where veterans can gather, socialize, and find support. But its community standing, like that of the parade, could benefit from higher awareness and outreach. Through greater promotion from town pamphlets, to special feature space in local papers, Greenwich could possibly get more to join and have area residents remember the need to honor those who served.
The Byram Parade might have changed over the years, but their importance hasn’t faded. In fact, the diminishing number of survivors from previous wars and the need to show appreciation grows all the more important. Through recommitting resources and attention to activities at the Byram Veterans Center, Greenwich not only remains true to the past, but also continues to strengthen its present day community.
Through investing in better promotion and raising awareness about the parade, Greenwich will be able to bring back the energy from Byrams past parades. It can bring back to the time where organizations would parade together in Byram with pride. Memorial day is not a summer kick off or a day off from work; it’s a day to remember, honor, respect and to engage.
