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News: Wyomissing’s Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony:  Honoring our Nation’s Heroes

Date Published Author
5/17/2024 12:00:00 AM  Randy McKinley 

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Wyomissing's Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wyomissing’s Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony:  Honoring our Nation’s Heroes 

Wyomissing, PA – The Borough of Wyomissing and the Wyomissing Hills Citizen's Social Committee proudly announces its Annual Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony, set to take place on Saturday, May 25th, 2024. This cherished community event will commence promptly at 10:00 AM, starting from Wyomissing Hills Elementary School and winding through the surrounding neighborhood before culminating at the Wyomissing Hills Memorial Park and Playground.

The Wyomissing Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony stand as a tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Military. It serves as a testament to our unwavering remembrance of their valor and dedication.

Expect an inspiring display of patriotism as participants from various backgrounds unite to honor our nation's heroes. The parade will feature marching bands, drill teams, military units, string bands, antique cars, civic groups, fire companies, and more. The streets will transform into a vibrant procession route, adorned with rolling emergency vehicles, classic cars, sports teams, beauty pageant winners, and resounding bands playing patriotic melodies.
 
This year's Grand Marshal is the esteemed ninety-nine-year-old Navy WWII veteran, Matt Gutman. Chief Petty Officer Gutman's heroic service in the Pacific Theater, including participation in six invasions and downing three kamikaze planes, underscores his remarkable dedication to our country. Chief Petty Officer Gutman expressed his delight at being invited to lead the Wyomissing Annual Memorial Day Parade, stating, “This is such a great honor."

Following the parade, a solemn Remembrance Ceremony will be held at the War Memorial in Memorial Park, serving as a moment of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.

Randy McKinley, Director of Recreation, emphasizes the significance of Memorial Day, stating, “Memorial Day is a day for us to reflect on the cost of freedom. It is our responsibility to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The community is invited to participate in the parade by marching alongside floats or other vehicles to pay homage to our fallen comrades. Tyler Boland, representing Keeping America Alive, has organized a remarkable assembly of WWII veterans to be our guests of honor, with nearly forty participants joining us to commemorate this solemn occasion.

After the ceremony, the community is invited to enjoy activities and concessions in the playground area of Memorial Park.

For those interested in participating in the parade, please contact Randy McKinley at rmckinley@wyomissingboro.org.  The deadline for entry is Wednesday, May 22nd.  

In the event of inclement weather, a rain date is scheduled for Monday, May 27th, 2024.
Let us come together as a community to honor, remember, and celebrate the legacy of our nation's heroes on this Memorial Day.

About Wyomissing's Parks & Recreation Department
The mission of the Wyomissing Recreation Board is to meet the multigenerational recreation needs of our community year-round by enriching lives of all our residents through providing programming, events, safe and accessible park areas, recreational facilities, and playgrounds.

Media Contact: Randy McKinley • Director of Recreation • Borough of Wyomissing     610.376.7481 • rmckinley@wyomissingboro.org • https://www.facebook.com/wyoparksandrec