Butler Memorial Day Parade 2019
Monday May 27, 2019 by 2d Lt David Harrison
The annual Memorial Day Parade and Service were held in downtown Butler again this year, with one change: The parade route proceeded from North to South, in a change from last year. Waving American Flags and holding small children, local citizens packed both sides of Main Street along the parade route. Calls of "Thank you" and "God Bless You" were audible as the procession traveled from the starting point near Westminster Presbyterian Church to Diamond Park.
As always, the parade was led off by a flag draped casket on a horse-drawn carriage, followed by groups of Veterans, the Butler County Veteran of the Year, the Butler Golden Tornadoes Marching Band, JROTC cadets, and other community representatives.
Civil Air Patrol Squadron 712 was well represented as we once again led the Penn Township Veterans Association with our Color Guard. Cadets and Senior Member Officers followed the colors, and the PA Wing Raptor Cart and Squadron 712 Van brought up the rear. The Raptor Cart in particular drew a lot of attention as Pennsylvania Wing Vice Commander Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Berry invited the public to get a good look and take pictures following the parade. A reporter from the Butler County Tourism Bureau interviewed Lt. Col Berry and Squadron 712's Commander, First Lieutenant Eric Klemm, about the activities of the Civil Air Patrol and their involvement in the community.
