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Stamford Applauds Hometown Brigadier General In Veterans Day Parade

STAMFORD, Conn. -- “Nothing's better than coming out to support our troops just before Veterans Day,” Kerry Chillo of Norwalk said as she waited with her two young daughters for Stamford's annual parade to begin Sunday afternoon.

Kerry Chillo and her daughters patiently wait for the parade to begin in downtown Stamford.

Kerry Chillo and her daughters patiently wait for the parade to begin in downtown Stamford.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli
Grand Marshal Richard L. Ursone rides along the parade route in a Mustang as he cheers along with the crowds.

Grand Marshal Richard L. Ursone rides along the parade route in a Mustang as he cheers along with the crowds.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli
A balloon vendor prep for the crowds on a sunny Sunday afternoon in Stamford.

A balloon vendor prep for the crowds on a sunny Sunday afternoon in Stamford.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli
Stamford Mayor David Martin, Town Clerk Donna Loglisci and Grand Marshal Richard Ursone cheer for the parade's participants.

Stamford Mayor David Martin, Town Clerk Donna Loglisci and Grand Marshal Richard Ursone cheer for the parade's participants.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli
The Pyramid Shriners of Stratford zip through the parade route on Sunday.

The Pyramid Shriners of Stratford zip through the parade route on Sunday.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli
Flowers are placed in Veterans Park during the ceremony in honor of Veterans Day, which is officially on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Flowers are placed in Veterans Park during the ceremony in honor of Veterans Day, which is officially on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli

Moments after the clock struck noon, dozens of troops and schools began marching through downtown Stamford. The crisp fall day invited viewers from all over Connecticut to line the streets and cheer on the veterans, applauding them for their service to the nation.

This year, Stamford honored retired Brig. Gen. Richard L. Ursone as the parade's grand marshal. Ursone grew up in Stamford and served the U.S Army for 33 years. Though he now resides in San Antonio, Stamford residents were quick to remember their hero.

“I heard people calling out 'Richard!', all people I know and have known from here for years. It was unbelievable!.” Ursone said after the parade.

Ralph Loglisci, who grew up across the street from Ursone, couldn't be more proud of his longtime friend. “It's important we honor our soldiers and people that have kept us free” said Loglisci. “I come to this parade every year, and seeing Richard is really exciting.”

The parade culminated downtown in Veterans Park, where Stamford Mayor David Martin and newly re-elected U.S. Rep. Jim Himes held a ceremony dedicated to Ursone.

“This day proves the critical work we all do to remember those who sacrificed so much for us,” Himes said.

Ursone has held many positions throughout his career, but it was as the commander of the Medical Logistics Battalion where he learned the most.

“I began to understand just how important it is to serve and protect all of our families and fellow citizens,” he said after the events.  

After all the excitement, Ursone said he was looking forward to spending the rest of his day catching up with old friends and hanging out with his mother, who is a lifelong Stamford resident.

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