The first annual Marshfield Veterans Day Parade and Resource Fair is set for Saturday, Nov. 11. The parade theme is "Freedom isn't Free" and is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., following the same route as the annual Christmas parade. The parade will line-up on Washington, near Pine Street and head towards the square starting at 2 p.m.
Marshfield has not celebrated Veterans Day with its own parade in over 50 years. The last newspaper article mentioning an Armistice Day parade and program by a joint committee of all veterans organizations of Webster County was reported in The Mail in November of 1970.
“We’re really excited to bring this tradition back to the community,” said Nicholas Inman, President of the Committee. “We have a lot of great people working hard to make this parade happen and there are a lot of neat things planned.”
The committee first met in August of 2022 with a common goal of honoring veterans on Nov. 11. Rachel Andrews has been attending meetings representing the Chamber of Commerce, Phil Rigby is the secretary, also representing the VFW. Chuck Cooksey is a veteran on the committee, Mike Totten represents the Honor Flight, Louise Hanson represents the Post in Springfield which is composed of all women. Gary Mays, retired postmaster and veteran, and David Hartwell sit on the committee, along with Tammie Robison. The group has been meeting for more than a year to plan the event.
“We will have a flyover to start the parade,” Inman added. “The Central High School Kiltie Drum & Bugle Corps will be marching, soldiers from Fort Leonard Wood, and we’re hopeful that many other organizations will participate whether they’re civic organizations, churches, or families of veterans themselves. We just really want it to be special.”
Once the parade ends, there will be a Resource Fair at the Marshfield Community Center, located at 114 E. Commercial Street, where veterans can learn about different services that are offered to them. The fair runs from 2-5 p.m. with set up beginning at 1 p.m. Vendors offering veteran information, benefits or services may set up a booth free of charge. Other vendors may set up a booth space for a minimum donation of $20 to the Marshfield Veterans Day Parade.
“If your church, organization or group wants to show your love and support for our local veterans, it is not too late,” said Tammie Robison. “We do have an online form for parade participants and vendors. Anyone is welcome to join us for a great day honoring our veterans.”
More parade and vendor information can be found at bit.ly/marshfieldveteransday.
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