VERGENNES — American Legion Post No. 14 has announced that the 2018 theme of Vermont’s largest Memorial Day Parade is “Honor & Commemorate: Freedom Isn’t Free.”
The purpose of the Memorial Day Parade is to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Veterans Capt. Brian Gebo and Ron Nimblett will serving as the keynote speaker and parade marshal, respectively.
The parade is hosted by American Legion Post No. 14 and will be held on Monday, May 28, beginning at Vergennes Union High School and winding its way through the Little City. Each entrant — whether in the antique tractors, classic cars, motorized units, float category, walking/marching, fire departments, rescue squads, or military classes — must complete an entry form.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. and will conclude with a formal Memorial Day remembrance in the city park in Vergennes beginning at approximately 12:30 p.m. Following the parade, American Legion Post No. 14 will hold a chicken barbeque at the post.
Copies of the parade entry form, and of the rules and regulations can be found on the Vergennes Partnership website, vergennesdowntown.org, or by stopping by Post No. 14.
Again this year there will be a number system and each participant will be assigned a number when the parade lineup is created. Float representatives will receive their number when they check in with the Legion volunteer when arriving at VUHS on the morning of the parade. The number will indicate the position in the lineup. Parade entrants (not including bands) should not perform movements or drills that impede the movement of the parade for longer than three minutes.
No candy, water or gifts can be thrown from moving vehicles or floats.
Units with horses, dogs and other animals are asked to provide their own sanitation helpers to follow the unit and clean up along the route as well as in the lineup area.
Cash prizes are given to floats that meet the following criteria: Parade theme, workmanship, originality and general effect. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in both junior and adult divisions. Winners will be announced on the City Green following the ceremony. Prize checks will be mailed the following day to the address on the registration form.
For more information reach out to Martha Sullivan DeGraaf or Commander Ralph Wenzel at American Legion Post No. 14 Parade Committee, 100 Armory Lane, Vergennes, Vermont 05491 or email [email protected] or call (802)877-3216.