Memorial Day a time for honoring veterans’ legacies

The city of Mount Vernon’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 25, with the U.S. Vietnam Veterans group Ohio Rolling Thunder serving as the parade grand marshals.

Approximately 54 participants have signed up to be part of the parade, Mayor Matthew Starr said.

The theme for this year’s event is “Honoring 250 Years of American Heroes.” The nation is marking its semiquincentennial, or 250th birthday, this year.

“From the Revolutionary War to today, generations of Americans have answered the call to serve, often at the greatest personal cost. We remember those who gave their lives for our country, and we recommit ourselves to preserving the values they fought to protect,” said Mayor Starr. “May we never forget their courage, their devotion, and the enduring legacy they leave for future generations.”

The Memorial Day Parade will start by heading west from the intersection of East High Street and George Street. It will then turn south, or left, on South Gay Street before turning east (left) onto East Vine Street. The route continues, ending at the intersection of East Vine and South Park streets.

Note for parade participants – When the parade ends, participants can exit the parade route directly, with the exception of equestrian entries, which will turn north (left) on South Park Street, then turn east (right) on East High Street, making a final turn north (left) on Ringwalt Boulevard.

The Memorial Day activities will continue with Kevin L. Henthorn (U.S. Air Force), executive director of Knox County Veterans Services, acting as master of ceremonies from the steps of the Knox Memorial Building, 112 E. High St.

The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Knox County Veterans Services Commissioner George Curry (U.S. Army, Vietnam, Purple Heart). Mount Vernon High School student Amiah McClure will sing the National Anthem, with wreath placings by the Gold Star Mothers, Knox County Career Center Air Force JROTC, and Daughters of the American Revolution Lucy Knox Chapter to follow.

There will be a special flag dedication led by Henthorn, and a special guest presentation by Brigadier General Stephen L. Rhoads (U.S. Army).

Representatives from AMVETS Post No. 95 will offer a rifle salute, with a performance of “Taps” by a Mount Vernon High School student closing out the ceremony.

Parade participant instructions

All participants shall arrive at their respective check-in staging areas between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in accordance with the reporting instructions they have received via email.

Equestrian Entries

• Check in with the parade team member at East High Street and Edgewood Road. From there you will proceed to the holding area for horses.

• At the intersection of Edgewood Road and East Chestnut Street, heading west, park your vehicles in the grassy, open area ahead and to the right known as Chestnut Boulevard, where your flight leader will meet you. Once you have your animals ready, proceed to your designated staging area on East High Street. All horses must be in place no later than 10 a.m.