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Vet Proud To Lead New Canaan's Memorial Day Parade

Pete Barrella likes marching in a good parade. But it will be a bit unusual for him to take part as its grand marshal.

The Korean War veteran and security worker at New Canaan High School will ride in the prime seat for New Canaan’s annual Memorial Day Parade, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Monday at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. This year’s parade will honor Korean War veterans, including Barrella, who served in Charlie Company in the Tenth Combat Engineers of the Third Infantry Division.

“I’m happy to be the grand marshal,” said Barrella, 78, who lives in Norwalk and has manned the New Canaan High entrance booth since 1998 after years of running a carpeting business. “As far as the Korean vets being honored, it’s a great thing. We really didn’t get (anything). We just came home, minded our business and went to work.”

On most Memorial Days, Barrella took part in or marched in the Norwalk parade, so the New Canaan parade will be different. “It feels great to march to let people know you were there and you’re one of the veterans,” he said.

Being the grand marshal is even nicer because he has reconnected with friend Donald Donahue, a New Canaan native now living in Newport Beach, Calif. The two met during the Korean War but lost touch for years until Barrella about 13 years ago. “I told him (Donahue) and he said, ‘Pete, congratulations! I’m so happy for you,’” Barrella said.

Barrella says he knows many view Memorial Day as a holiday, but he hopes people will take a second to say thanks. “Maybe they should take just one minute and think of all the fellas that are serving today and keeping our country free,” he said.

Will you attend the annual New Canaan Memorial Day Parade? What’s your favorite part of the parade? Let us know by leaving a comment below. You can also visit our Facebook page.

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