Apr. 13- Organizers of the 19th annual Memorial Day Parade received a check from a faithful sponsor Thursday morning.
Joe Leonard, chairman of the Memorial Day Parade Committee and former sergeant in the U.S. Army, accepted a $3,000 check from Wal-Mart, which has contributed money to the parade since its inception. Wal-Mart also presented checks to nine other organizations.
"If it were not for the funds and the corporate citizenship displayed by Wal-Mart, we would simply not be able to do this," Leonard said. "We can't thank them enough. They have always rolled out the red carpet for us. Wal-Mart is at the top of the list because they are the major financial contributor to this thing."
Much of the same will be back for this year's parade, which starts from the Big Chair downtown and travels to Veterans Memorial Park.
Those who attend the Memorial Day Parade on May 25 can expect to see 100 U.S. flags that have flown over the U.S. Capitol at one time or another being carried by military personnel. A helicopter also will land during a ceremony, and paratroopers will jump into Cushwa Stadium.
"I sincerely invite the people in our community and other communities to come on this day," Leonard said. "If you are a veteran, let us put an identifying name tag on you where you can be recognized."
Leonard announced Thursday that Gov. Bev Perdue will be on hand to present 12 plaques to the families of fallen soldiers. "The governor has repeatedly been invited here for 18 years," Leonard said. "This is going to be the first time. I think it's awesome she is going to put it on her schedule."
U.S. Army Gen. Lloyd Austin of the 18th Airborne Corps will serve as the keynote speaker and parade marshal.
Leonard said free hot dogs will be provided to the public while supplies last. Free food will be provided to veterans courtesy of another faithful sponsor, Jed's Barbecue in Thomasville.
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