Sunday, May 7, 2 p.m.—RUTLAND—Looking ahead into spring, with warmer days and the renewal of life in the world all around us, the VFW reminds the community to look to renewal of loyalty and patriotism felt for our nation. What a better way to do this than to enjoy the Loyalty Day celebration with a parade and a luncheon. Sunday, May 7 will be the VFW’s 53rd Loyalty Day parade.
The parade will start at 2 p.m. sharp on Madison St. It will then march down Strongs Ave., Wales St., move across the church down to Williams St., Grove St., and finally down Merchants Row where it will end at the corner of Center St. and Merchants Row.
Military units such as VFW Posts and American Legion Posts will march. The parade will also include VFW Post 648 Buddy Poppy Princess and Buddy Poppy King, high school bands, fire departments, Smokey Bear, Santa Claus, Cairo Temple with all its units, old cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, city, state and federal representatives, media, and many more.
Sam Gorruso from Sam’s Good News will be on hand as emcee.
The parade is in honor of the ex-prisoners of war. Parade Marshall will be Nathan Harvey of the Rutland Police Department. VFW Post 648 in Rutland will do this parade for the 53rd year for all the men and women who have—and are still—serving in all the military branches.
During the parade, the VFW Post 648 Auxiliary invites all to a luncheon, serving 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Music and dancing start at 4 p.m. with DJ John Saltis. Donations are suggested: $6 per adult, $3 for ages 6-12, free age 5 and under. All are welcome.
For more information, contact chair Ron Fairbanks at 802-558-3965.
