The Memorial Day Association of Plainville takes great pride in announcing the selection of this year’s Grand Marshal, Earle L. Jackson Sr.

Born in New Britain and raised on Broad Street in Plainville, Jackson was a member of the Plainville High School Class of 1962.

A talented basketball player, and a decorated all-around athlete, Jackson is enshrined in both the Plainville High and Central Connecticut State University sports Halls of Fame. 

A Vietnam veteran (1967-68), Jackson served as a paratrooper and combat medic with the 173d Airborne Brigade, the most decorated Army brigade during the war. He also served with the 82nd Airborne Division. Jackson wrote about his experiences in Vietnam in the articles "Giving Thanks Atop Hill 875" and "An Open Letter to Aretha Franklin." Both pieces have been printed in magazines and newspapers around the country. 

In 1972, Jackson joined Heublein, Inc. as a sales representative. During his 30 years with the company, he held several senior management positions and earned many awards in sales.

At Heublein, Jackson traveled to 47 U.S. states and to eight countries, including to Vietnam. Because he speaks Vietnamese, at one point during his career, Jackson  was trusted to train a newly-formed Heublein sales force in the country.

The son of Earl and Bernice Jackson, custodians of Broad Street School for 25 years, Earle L. Jackson Sr. retired in 2001 and remains active in causes close to his heart. He resides in Florida with his wife of 40 years, Pat; and his son Earle Jr. and daughter-in-law Theresa.