This is a parade unlike other parades. There will be no floats or bands for this solemn event.
Retired Judge Harold Goff started this parade seven years ago to honor the Grayson County veterans that have given their life in times of war.
Each Veteran has a sign with his name that will be carried by a family member or volunteer. The names of the veterans date back to the Revolutionary War through Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Major General Donal C. Storm, Adjuntant General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, will be the Grand Marshall of this years parade.
Storm was appointed as Adjutant General by Governer Ernie Fletcher on December 9, 2003.
He began his military career in 1970 as an enlisted soldier, serving in Vietnam. After leaving active duty in 1972 he enlisted in the Kentucky Army National Guard and has been employed full time by the guard since 1974.
Line-up starts at 9 a.m. at the shell station and the Chamber of Comerence is encouraging anyone who would like to carry a sign to come to the event.
"Every year so many wonderful people come out to help carry those signs just out of respect for what these men and women have done for us and our country," said Caryn Lewis, Executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.
"Our goal this year is to have one sign per person and we encourage and welcome any and all volunteers to come out and join us in honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by our peers and those before us," added Lewis.
The signs with names of the slain veterans will be carried around the courthouse square and the ceremony will begin the National Anthem.
This year Dr. Jerry Adamson will provide a reenactment, in period costume, delivery of Patrick Henry's "Call to Arms" address just prior to the tolling of the bells.
The memorial Serivce will close with Taps played by Adam Decker.
Staff Reporter
tdunn@gcnewsgazette.com
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