From staff reports
Plans are in the works for a Memorial Day parade in Franklin and organizers are looking for groups to participate.
While last year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the city hopes to be able to hold the parade on Monday, May 31.
In charge of organizing the event is the VETS Honor Guard. Chuck Benedict is serving as the parade chairman.
He hopes to see various floats, marching bands and other units marching in the parade.
“Of course, it will be dependent upon whether the state clears us to gather,” Benedict warned.
But he said plans must move forward with hopes that the event will be held.
Groups who want to walk in the parade or feature a float must respond to the VETS Honor Guard invitation by Saturday, May 15, so the parade lineup can be organized.
Businesses and organizations that wish to be part of the parade but did not receive an invitation form may contact Benedict by telephone at (814) 432-4336 or email at ccdbenedict@yahoo.com.
The parade will start at 10 a.m. with lineup starting at 9 a.m.
The community service at Franklin’s bandstand in South Park will begin at 11 a.m.
The names of veterans who have died over the past year will be read aloud at this service.
If the parade is canceled by the state, Benedict said every group will be notified as quickly as possible.
He noted the public would still be invited to attend the 11 a.m. program at the bandstand, which will be conducted by the VETS Honor Guard regardless of whether or not the parade is held.
