Ever since Tyrone Borough decided to reinstate the annual Memorial Day Parade five years ago, the event has grown and grown. According to Mayor Pat Stoner, this year should be no different as the yearly trek through town kicks-off at 11 a.m. Saturday.
“We’re really hoping to show the patriotism of this town in this time of conflict,” said Stoner. “We want all the residents of Tyrone to come down and show our local veterans here what they mean to this community.”
Kim Murray, the borough’s secretary and this year’s organizer of the parade, said groups and organizations can still register and be part of the event. Contact the borough at 684-1330.
“One thing that we will be doing different this year is offering all the local veterans an opportunity to take part in the event,” said Murray.
She noted the borough had asked local businessman Sam Anders if it could borrow a flat bed truck that could be decorated and used to transport current members of the armed forces and those who have served in the past.
“Any local vet can be a part of this,” said Murray. “We’re hoping the younger vets will walk alongside the truck, while the others ride.”
Murray said lineup is from 10:30-10:45 a.m. at the intersection of 15th Street and Lincoln Avenue. The parade will snake onto 14th Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, onto 10th Street and past Epworth Manor onto 9th Street. She said the parade will then break up at the armory.
“We’re also encouraging those attending to bring a flag and waive it proudly as the veterans march past,” said Murray.
Those already committing to the parade include the Tyrone Band, National Guard Armory, Korean War veterans, Pink Panther twirlers, local boy and girl scouts, Tyrone Area Community Organization, the Coalport Cycle Club, Starlight twirlers, the Revolution, and local dignitaries, including Mayor Stoner and Rep. Jerry Stern.
Following the parade, which Murray expects to last 30 or 45 minutes, there will be a patriotic concert in City Park.
“People can just take their chairs off the sidewalk and carry them right on over to the park,” said Murray. “It’s going to be an entire day for celebrating our veterans and the people who serve this country.”
