The Ralph Fulton VFW Erlanger/Elsmere Memorial Day Parade returned to Dixie Highway this year, and residents were ready for it. The parade started at 9 a.m. Monday at the VFW post in Elsmere and continued down Dixie Highway to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Erlanger.
Last year’s Memorial Day parade was cancelled due to the pandemic.
“I am beyond excited that the VFW is holding their annual Memorial Day parade in the city of Erlanger,” said Erlanger Mayor Jessica Fette.
“It is another sign that life is starting to resume a sense of normalcy. Now more than ever, we must honor the sacrifices of those that serve in all branches of the military. Their dedication to the freedoms of this country must always be celebrated and trumpeted from everywhere in our great nation.”
The parade stopped at the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial on the corner of Dixie and Commonwealth to honor veterans by placing a wreath at the memorial. There was a 21-gun salute after the laying of the wreath.
Following the stop at the memorial, there was a short program at Forest Lawn Cemetery. After the ceremony, people were invited back to the VFW for refreshments.
James Vieira, Quarter Master at the VFW, organizes the parade.
“We are always looking for people to walk in the parade. Even if they aren’t from Erlanger or Elsmere, we are accepting of everyone,” he said.
