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W.O. Remembers Sacrifices, Welcomes Summer

Memorial Day parade returns to Lincoln Way

By Sarah Turnbull
The Tube City Almanac
June 03, 2021
Posted in: White Oak News

*Correction: This story was corrected after publication to fix a misspelled name. We apologize for the error. —JT

Vietnam-era veterans representing American Legion Post 701 ride in Monday’s Memorial Day parade on Lincoln Way in White Oak. (Sarah Turnbull photo for Tube City Almanac)


After taking a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, White Oak resumed its annual Memorial Day parade Monday.

The parade began at 12:30 p.m. on Guice Street and ended at the American Legion post on Capitol Street.

Hosted by American Legion General Smedley D. Butler Post 701, the parade included units representing veterans’ organizations, the White Oak police department, area volunteer firefighters, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and the McKeesport Area High School Tiger Band.
 
For Laura Massie, executive director of the White Oak Animal Safe Haven, seeing the community come together is the best part of Memorial Day.

Members of the Air Force Junior ROTC program at McKeesport Area High School marched in Monday’s parade. (Sarah Turnbull photo for Tube City Almanac)


“The shelter has participated in the parade since 2003 when we opened,” Massie said. “My favorite part is decorating the car or truck and seeing all the friendly people in the crowd cheering us on…the parade always makes me think of the community and how great it is to be a part of it.”

A desire to give back to the community is a common thread amongst parade participants. For the past 10 years, Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church has hosted a food booth along the parade route. Attendees can treat themselves to hot dogs, walking tacos, chips, water, popcorn and snow cones.

Organizer Melanie Thomas* explained that all the proceeds from the booth go to the McKeesport Agape Center to help people in need.

“The best part of being in the parade is the community outreach,” Thomas said. “We really like giving back and being visible to the community.”

Outfitted in dress uniforms and standing at attention, firefighters from Rainbow Volunteer Fire Co. pass in review. (Sarah Turnbull photo for Tube City Almanac)


According to Post Commander Glenn Lynn, the American Legion has sponsored the parade for 43 years, and Monday’s turnout was the best yet. He emphasized the importance of remembering those who fought and died for our freedom.

“It’s all about remembering those who paid with their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today,” Lynn said.

All photos: Sarah Turnbull for Tube City Almanac

Sarah Turnbull is a freelance writer in Irwin. She can be reached at sarahturnbull323@gmail.com.

Originally published June 03, 2021.

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