No rain on the West Haven parade

West Haven, Conn (WTNH) - The wet weather moved out just in time for the Memorial Day parade in West Haven Monday.

Hundreds of people lined Campbell Avenue for the mile long parade led by 83-year-old Francis Blanchette, a World War II veteran, and 27-year-old Air National Guard Tech Sgt. Charlene Fischer-Atwood, who served in Afghanistan.

The 2011 edition of what is claimed to be southern Connecticut's oldest and largest parade of its kind included three marching divisions, and a whole lot of patriotism.

"It's important. My dad was a World War II vet. He fought over in Europe. My husband is a veteran, and this is very important to me, and all of the families, and all of the people that serve our country," said West Haven resident Tony Finch.

"I think it's important to come out a show your support for the troops. Remember those people that have given us the benefits that we have right now, and the freedoms," said Dennis Finch.

"It's really important. We make it a point to be here today," Mary Lou Brancato said.

It was a meeting with a common link, service to our country, and no one could rain on that parade.

The parade wrapped up with a special ceremony on the green to honor the city's veterans, as well as the country's.