Orange Memorial Day Parade draws big crowd

Orange, Conn (WTNH) - The annual Orange Memorial Day Parade drew a big crowd from across the area Sunday.

Sometimes it's the simple things in life that make the holiday, and it's Orange's annual parade that makes lasting memories.

"This is great. I've lived in town since I was four, and now I moved back to raise my twins here, so we're really excited to be here," resident Stacy Skoldberg said.

Perhaps even more excited was the Mulhaerin family. They were wearing their patriotism literally on their sleeves.

"Yeah, it's exciting. We come down every year. We grew up in Orange. Now we're here with the kids. You absolutely still need it. It wouldn't be Memorial Day without the parades," said Mike and Beth-Ann Mulhaerin.

That's something you don't have to tell Cecil O'Mara. She's 100-years-old, and seen her share of parades. When asked what she thought about the annual parade in Orange, O'Mara said, "Wonderful. You meet these people one year, and then you meet them next year, and next year. You feel as though you have a whole body of new friends!"

The folks here in Orange tell me even though their community is growing; their community is changing everyday. They're always going to be rooted in traditions like this one.