MOUNT VERNON – Marking a day of what Mayor Matt Starr called “remembrance and reflection,” parade participants carried out a theme of “Honor and Reflect.”
Parade grand marshal Dave Bevington, a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, kicked things off at 10:30 a.m. Monday on a route that wound its way from East High Street (at George Street) to Gay Street. It then headed south before turning east on Vine Street. A final turn took the parade onto Park Street, where it looped north back to East High Street.
“This parade is always a wonderful time for the community to come together, to remember and honor those who made the greatest sacrifice,” City Councilmember Amber Keener said.
After the parade, a ceremony took place on the steps of the Knox Memorial Building. Mount Vernon Foursquare Church Pastor Chris Mazzola offered an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Veterans Service Commissioner George Curry. The Heritage Singers presented the National Anthem, with wreath placings by Gold Star Mothers and Daughters of the American Revolution.
Retired Master Sgt. Richard Primm introduced three cadets in the Air Force Junior ROTC program at the Knox Career Center – Hannah Bressi, Alyssa Cook and Tyler Cochran – who read their essays.
The Heritage Singers performed "Amazing Grace," and Pastor Mazzola said the benediction.
AMVETS Post No. 95 offered a rifle salute with a performance of “Taps.”
