Large turnout expected for Saturday parade
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
In this file photo, a float passes by during the 2017 Veterans Day parade in Monongahela.
Observer-Reporter
A tank used in World War II is driven down the route for the 2013 Veterans Day Parade in Washington in this file photo.
On the centennial of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 927 and American Legion Post 175 of Washington have joined forces to present a grand Veterans Day celebration.
“Both groups have put a big effort into making this successful,” said Miles Glotfelty of Post 175.
A patriotic ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Community Pavilion on South Main Street in Washington. Keynote speaker will be Washington County resident Stephen Johnson, retired U.S. Marine Corps major general. Trinity High School choir will perform.
More than 1,100 participants are expected to take part in this year’s parade, slated to begin at 2 p.m. at North Franklin and West Chestnut streets. Weather, permitting, a World War II biplane flyover will signal the start.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Observer-Reporter
In this file photo, Gary Schade of Donora holds his daughter, Emma, as they watch the 2016 Veterans Day Parade in Donora.
The parade route will continue onto Main Street, cross over Route 40 and conclude at the American Legion, 168 Park Avenue.
About 90 units will march, including high school bands from Washington, Trinity, California, McGuffey, Charleroi, Monessen and Ringgold.
Glotfelty said the VFW and American Legion have had tremendous community support in planning the event.
“The Washington Business District has been helping us out quite a bit, and the city of Washington police and fire chiefs have been super helpful,” he said.
Observer-Reporter
Observer-Reporter
World War II Marine veteran Bill Wright marched with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Waynesburg Chapter 4793 in the Veterans Day parade in Waynesburg in this 2015 file photo.
According to the Washington Fire Department, Chestnut will be closed from Ruple Avenue to North Main Street; Main Street will be closed from Chestnut Street to Park Avenue; and Park Avenue will be closed to Trinity High School. The closures will take place around 1:50 p.m.
In addition, the parade staging area – Walnut Street from Main Street to Hall Avenue – will be closed starting at 11 a.m.
Glotfelty said that all five surface parking lots in the city will be free to motorists.
“The parade will last at least two hours,” he said. “Bring a chair.”
Scott Beveridge/Observer-Reporter
Scott Beveridge/Observer-Reporter
Claysville American Legion Post 639’s antique black caisson was second in line Saturday at the Mon Valley Veterans Day parade in Monessen.