It has been several years without a local Veterans Day parade, but that will change this year on Nov. 11.
The one-time annual event will be revived thanks to the efforts of several members from local veteran and patriotic organizations.
VFW Commander Gary Bell said he came up with the idea and passed it along to others. Everyone quickly got on board.
“We used to do a parade and I felt it was time to get back to doing one,” Bell said. “We feel it is important to honor our veterans and also show them the respect they deserve.”
The day’s activities will commence with a 10:30 a.m. Laying of the Wreath Ceremony at the county courthouse monument. At 11 a.m., Bell will lead a Veterans Day service at the Marie Canine Plaza on the corner of Main and Green streets. Immediately following the service the parade will kick off from the Wallace Avenue area.
The committee is comprised of members from the Brian Bowman VFW 1431, Byron Cox American Legion 72, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 103, Blue Star Mothers Chapter 3 and Dorothy Q Daughters of the American Revolution. They hope others will get involved, including veterans, businesses and churches.
The parade theme is “Patriotism.”
“We are hoping for a great response from our community,” Bell said. “We hope others will join us to put on a great parade.”
Bell said the committee already has some commitments to participate.
Veterans who want to participate but are unable to walk in the parade will be provided golf carts from the City of Crawfordsville. Veterans who want to ride or drive the golf carts may sign up at the American Legion.
The Crawfordsville High School Band has agreed to perform.
”We are involved in trying to get military vehicles along with re-enactment units in the parade,” Bell said. “Anyone interested in patriotism and our veterans can participate.”
The route will begin at Wallace Drive, proceed to Main Street, to Green Street, to Pike Street and return to Wallace Drive.
Those wanting to participate in the parade may contact Bell at 765-366-3638; the Byron Cox Post 72 American Legion at 765-362-2352; or the Brian Bowman VFW Post 1431 at 765-362-9903.
The parade committee will meet 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the American Legion. Individuals or organizations interested in participating in the parade may attend, but attendance is not mandatory.
More information on the parade will be made available closer to the event.
