By Det.1 /444th MPAD
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The Guard was well represented at the annual Newark Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 20.
Uncle Sam himself appeared on this special occasion to boost recruiting efforts. Capt. Fred Cost, Training Officer, 1/72nd Troop Command, put in a great performance as the bearded national icon, as he walked along the parade route, eagerly passing out recruitment flyers and shaking hands.
Not to be outdone, the 262nd Maintenance Company provided a gun crew to begin the festivities with a ceremonial bang. This was followed by the National Anthem, played by the 287th Army Band, its soldiers resplendent in their customary dress blue. A moment of silence for the country’s veterans came next, which was made more solemn by a dark sky portending rain.
Service members of all ranks and branches mingled and marched on the University of Delaware’s campus mall before parading down the streets of the town. These soldiers, airmen and marines were joined by veterans, high school bands, a police color guard, several politicians and the obligatory fire trucks. The Guard provided a float, carrying Maj. Gen. Francis Vavala, the Adjutant General.
A large number of people gathered to watch the spectacle and be reminded of the country’s men and women in uniform and those who came before. Flags were flown in honor of the day, balloons were bought and sometimes lost into the gray sky, hot pretzels were sold, and the Guard marched down Main Street despite the impending rain.
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