Interactive Map of the Memorial Day Parades in Western Connecticut

It’s one of the biggest parade days of the year, so we've put together an interactive map (above) so you'll be able to find out what towns will be having a parade, and when they are happening.

It's almost Memorial Day, the unofficial start of the summer of 2017. It's also a day we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.

Of course, it's also a day for parades throughout the Western Connecticut area, and there are some pretty good ones.

For many years, I helped cover the Danbury Memorial Day Parade when it was broadcast on Comcast. It's one of the biggest parades in the area, and it has always been a tradition for our family to attend.

In Newtown, another one of the parades I have covered over the years, they do it up big time as well with another good size parade, plus there are activities all day long.

Here’s a little history about Memorial Day that you can amaze your friends with this weekend, according to usmemorialday.org:

Initially called Decoration Day and created to honor Union Army soldiers and officers killed during the Civil War, the holiday was renamed and expanded to include all those killed in military service to the United States after World War I.

A 1971 federal law fixed the date on the last Monday in May, creating a three-day holiday weekend.

If you're looking for the closest parade to where you live, or the parade in your town, just click on one of the stars on the interactive map above, have a happy and safe Memorial Day, and remember why we are celebrating.