MARION – With several area events cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,the annual “Veterans on Parade” event in Marion is still set, but later than normal.
Ed Davis, a Vietnam veteran and president of the Veterans on Parade organization, said he didn’t know if this year’s Veterans on Parade honoring veterans and first responders would happen considering the number of COVID-19 cases being reported in southern Illinois.
This is the 16th year for the parade, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at Marion Junior High School. The parade will finish with a memorial ceremony at the Williamson County Fairgrounds.
In order to protect those participating in the parade and spectators, Davis said some parade rules and protocols are in place for this year’s event, which can be found via the Veterans on Parade Facebook page.
Davis added in case of inclement weather, local media will be informed about any cancellation or postponement of the parade. It will also be posted on the event’s Facebook page.