By Luana Rocha
There are many people we should respect and honor: parents, grandparents, and teachers. However, on the last Monday of May each year, we Americans gather together not only to honor those who have fallen to save our country, those who sacrificed their lives, those who never came out. However, we show our gratitude to their families and pay our respects.
Dating back to 1923, the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department (SBVFD) parade began in Old Greenwich, a tradition established to bring the community together and spread their admiration for the courage it takes to make such a life-altering decision. The event serves as a reflection of the department’s appreciation and commitment to honor the heroes who were lost, thereby strengthening the community bond.
On May 26, 2025, residents of Greenwich joined the department during the celebration, with hundreds of people of all ages coming together. Every corner of the street displayed a vibrant display of community spirit that radiated for miles. The department honors our heroes in countless ways, by featuring local veterans who have the opportunity to share a message, Youth organizations, and service members such as police officers, firefighters, and Emergency Medical Services workers. They all get to walk through the street watching people cheer them on and show them their love, their smiles beaming as they wave back, feeling proud of their role and feeling the impact they have.
The true beauty of this ceremony lies in watching countless members of the community come together to express their gratitude. However, what many forget is that this can’t just be a one-day celebration; we must emphasize the importance of their sacrifices every day, which is something many of us forget.
Jeffrey Thompson, who was present at the parade, explained that “I think we ought to honor them most every day. Especially when we see those who are still living and amongst us.” he then goes on to say we should “Maybe contribute to something they’re doing, whether it be a meal or a drink. It’s always nice to do.”
Even the most minor things can go a long way in showing them our respect and making them feel the impact they have on this world. Thompson left us with a passionate quote: “We can fly our flag. We can salute it. We can stand for it when it passes.” This serves as a form of encouragement to all people to perform everyday acts of service, not just to honor the flag of our country, but also to acknowledge the risks that veterans face daily, which is the true meaning of national pride.
This is not to say that having a huge celebration, such as a parade, isn’t incredible and exhibits kindness and appreciation; however, it isn’t nearly enough in comparison to what veterans do or have done. Yet, the parade on Sound Beach Avenue is a representation of love, and at least it is something that can make them feel special as they ride in their colorful cars, waving a flag that means so much to them.
