The Alexandria Veterans of Foreign Wars, also known as the VFW, will host its 63rd Memorial Day Parade next month after a two-year break.
On Sunday, May 28, the VFW will hold their assembly before the parade in the Campbell County Middle School Parking lot at 1 p.m. The parade will take off at 2 p.m. and head toward the Alexandria VFW at 8261 Alexandria Pike.
Along with the VFW float, local businesses, schools, and churches participate in the parade. Retired U.S. Air Force Veteran Mark See is helping to organize this year’s event.
“It’s just trying to resurrect it in two years,” See said. “We’re working on it. I think we’re going to have a good time and good participation. We’ve already had a lot of interest in it.”
The day will continue upon arrival at the VFW with a memorial service, a grill out of hot dogs and hamburgers, and refreshments free to the public.
“We encourage people to stick around and talk, learn more about us. Especially the kids—come talk to a veteran. We’re not all mean old grouchy people,” See said.
Last year the parade was canceled due to a lack of participation, and the VFW held a memorial service instead. Terry Connley with the Alexandria VFW spoke at the Alexandria City Council meeting on April 6 to inform the city that they were seeking participants for the parade. Those wishing to participate can contact the VFW at (859) 635-1777.
“We try to do our best to remember and honor the veterans who have gone out before us and keep in front of people’s minds,” See said. “It’s not all hot dogs and picnics kind of thing.”
