Huge Navy Presence to March in Parade

This year's Memorial Day parade, scheduled for Sunday, May 20, honors all who have served the United States, and will focus specifically on chiefs in the U.S. Navy.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West, the national spokesman for enlisted men, has designated 2012 the Year of the Chief. (Editor's note: West will not be marching in the parade; an earlier version of this story contained incorrect information.)

This year's parade marshal is Master Chief Machinist's Mate (Submarine Service) Kerry Meng, command master chief of the Nautilus and the Submarine Force Museum.

According to parade organizer Carol Lathrop, Meng's decorations include:

• The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, (three silver stars)
• The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (one silver star and two gold stars
• The Navy Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
• The Humanitarian Service Medal
• Various other personal and unit commendations.

Meng also has been active in youth sports programs in Montville for many years.

Get Montville stories delivered to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter! Simple, fast sign-up here.

MENG IS NOT THE ONLY high-ranking Navy official in the parade this year!   

Submarine Base New London Commanding Officer Marc Dennoe will deliver the main address at the memorial service at Town Hall, and lead the Naval units participating in the prade.

They include:

• Roughly 100 members of the Groton Area Chief Petty Officers Association
• The Silver Dolphins Drill Team
• The Submarine School Flag Corps
• The Nautilus Sea Cadets, Troop 571
• The Naval Port Operation Float

THE EVENTS WILL START with a wreath-laying at the monuments in front of Montville Town Hall at noon. The parade forms directly afterwards, according to a press release.

The parade begins at the intersection of Route 32 and Raymond Hill Road, and ends at St. Patrick's Cemetery.

A popular spot to view the parade is at the corner of Route 32 and Depot Street, on the grassy knoll in front of Pennell's, but there are many excellent spots to watch the parade, all along the route.

FAMILIES CAN MAKE A DAY of it, with tail-gate picnics in Tri-Town Foods parking lot, and Montville Hardware parking lot.

Parade-watchers can set up chairs in front of A&J's Cafe and Thib's, on both sides of the road near Montville Hardware and Ed's Kitchen, and across the street from Tri-Town, among other spots.

It is fun, free entertainment, honoring the citizens of our country and of Montville who have served in our armed forces.

Keep reading the Montville Patch for all your parade news!