MOUNT VERNON – Navy veteran Larry Angel will serve as grand marshal of Mount Vernon’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Monday.
More than 40 participants have signed up to be part of the parade, Mayor Matt Starr said in a press release.
“I would like to just remind everyone that Monday is Memorial Day," he said. "And again, this is not a day of celebration, but a day of remembrance and reflection."
The theme for this year’s parade and ceremony is American Valor.
“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.
The parade will start by heading west from the intersection of East High and George streets. It will then turn south (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 and back to East High Street.
Participants may note that the parade officially ends at the intersection of East Vine and South Park streets. They have the choice of heading back to the staging area or leaving the parade directly from that point.
“Kathie Hursh is the new parade coordinator,” Starr said. “Her military background in logistics planning has significantly improved the organization of this important event.”
The holiday remembrance continues 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 "Star Spangled Banner," with wreath placings by JROTC cadets, Gold Star Mothers and Daughters of the American Revolution to follow.
Presentations will be made by each branch of the military, with Wilson Warner, Army; Colin Pack, Marine Corps; Ken Lane, Navy; Beth Seaman, Air Force; and Colby Contino, Coast Guard.
Gary McCutcheon will perform “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes, and 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.
Following the ceremony, AMVETS invites everyone to join them for lunch at the post at 311 S. Mechanic St.
Parade participants should arrive at their respective check-in staging areas beginning at 8 a.m. They should arrive no later than 9 a.m.
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. A parade official will be at that location to check people in and give them more information.
Parade entries with personnel only will check in at the Snyder Funeral Home, 619 E. High St. Once checked in, they will be given additional instructions.
