MOUNT VERNON – The City of Mount Vernon’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 29, with Larry Angel, a U.S. Naval Veteran, serving as parade grand marshal.
More than 40 participants have signed up to be part of the parade, Mayor Matt Starr said.
“I would like to just remind everyone that Monday is Memorial Day. And again, this is not a day of celebration, but a day of remembrance and reflection,” he said.
The theme for this year’s event is “American Valor.”
The parade will start by heading west from the intersection of East High Street and George Street. It will then turn south, or left, on South Gay Street before turning east (left) onto East Vine Street. The route continues, making a final turn heading north (left) onto South Park Street, from where it will head back to East High Street.
NOTE FOR PARADE PARTICIPANTS: The parade will “officially” end at the intersection of East Vine and South Park streets. Participants can then head back to the staging area or leave the parade directly.
“This parade is always a wonderful time for the community to come together, to remember and honor those who made the greatest sacrifice,” City Council Person Amber Keener said.
“Kathie Hursh is the new parade coordinator,” Mayor Starr said. “Her military background in logistics planning has signficantly improved the organization of this important event.”
Remembrance continues at Knox Memorial
The Memorial Day activities will continue with Kevin L. Henthorn, executive director of Knox County Veterans Services, acting as master of ceremonies from the steps of the Knox Memorial Building, 112 E. High St.
Mount Vernon Lifepoint Church Pastor Adam Pursel will offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance will follow with Veterans Services Commissioner George Curry leading attendees.
JROTC Cadet Ellie Salvucci will present the National Anthem, with wreath placings by the JROTC Cadets, Gold Star Mothers and Daughters of the American Revolution to follow.
There will then be presentations from each of the military branches as follows – Wilson Warner, U.S. Army; Colin Pack, Marine Corps; Ken Lane, Navy; Beth Seaman, Air Force; Colby Contino, Coast Guard.
Gary McCutcheon will perform “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes, and Pastor Pursel will give the benediction. Representatives from AMVETS Post No. 95 will offer a rifle salute, with a performance of “Taps” by Mount Vernon High School trumpeter Charles Comfort closing out the ceremony.
The AMVETS Post invites everyone to join them for lunch at the post at 311 S. Mechanic St. after the ceremony.
PARADE PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS: ALL participants shall arrive at their respective check-in staging areas beginning at 8 a.m. They should arrive no later than 9 a.m.
Vehicles
• All entries with vehicles (trucks, cars, vans, trailers, floats, motorcycles, fire apparatus, horse trailers, etc.) will enter at the intersection of East High Street and Edgewood Road.
There will be someone at that location to check people in and give them further information.
Personnel Only
• All entries with personnel only will check in at the Snyder Funeral Home, 619 E. High St.
Once checked in, they will be given further information.
