Connecticut celebrates Memorial Day with weekend travels, remembrance

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—As the nation takes a moment to honor and remember those who have passed while serving in the United States Armed Forces, this Memorial Day weekend marks the start of an expected surge in summer travel and a return to in person celebrations.

A recent AAA survey of Connecticut residents revealed that 62% of respondents are considering or planning to take a trip this summer. 659 Connecticut residents answered the AAA survey which was conducted in late April, AAA officials said.

According to AAA in Greater Hartford Spokesperson Amy Parmenter, the poll shows that Connecticut residents have a pent-up demand to travel.

31% of respondents said they feel their travel will be driven by a need for a "quick getaway." 20% of respondents said they're planning a longer or more extravagant trip.

Despite the desire and growing confidence to travel again, Parmenter said many are still taking COVID-19 into account.

In the poll, 65% of respondents said for their next trip, they plan to only travel with those in their same household or those in their established "COVID bubble."

AAA is also projecting that the number of New Englanders traveling over Memorial Day weekend will increase by more than 60% compared to last year when most of the country was under lockdown or COVID travel restrictions, officials said.

That number will reach almost 90% of what the number of New England travelers was on Memorial Day weekend of 2019, AAA officials said.

Parmenter encourages travelers to do a basic car maintenance check-up before hitting the road and to check COVID-19 related restrictions which can vary from state to state.

Connecticut's Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Thomas Saadi said he's concerned many Americans see the Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer and forget the significance of the holiday.

Families and friends should have fun at their social gatherings especially after a difficult year amid the pandemic, he said, "but what we must do is ensure that everyone in this nation remembers that these wonderful things that we enjoy as Americans are only possible because of those who have served and those who have made that ultimate sacrifice," Saadi said.

He encourages Americans to not only take time to reflect but to also give back to the community. Thanking a veteran for their service is definitely appropriate and appreciated, he said, but it should be followed up by action.

"Words should be matched with actions," Saadi said. Those actions can include attending a parade, contributing to a fundraising, voicing support for state and federal veteran programs and taking part in a local community event such as creating care packages for those abroad.

This year, Saadi is wishing Connecticut residents a reflective and peaceful Memorial Day.

"Reflect upon the service and sacrifice of those who we remember on Memorial Day and also a peaceful Memorial Day because all those who serve, what the goal is, it's not war. It's to achieve peace, peace at home and peace abroad," he said.

Several Memorial Day events and activities are taking place across Connecticut, including Weekend Memorial Sunset Cruises, a Memorial Day goat stroll and a historical heritage weekend with veterans.

Memorial Day ceremonies are also being held throughout the weekend.

For volunteering opportunities to help Connecticut veterans, visit the State Department of Veterans Affairs website.