Batavia to celebrate Loyalty Day with parade
When my boys were little, they were very excited about going to the Loyalty Day Parade. We found a perfect spot on Wilson Street and sat down on the curb and waited for the sound of the band that would announce the arrival of the marchers.
As the first color guard appeared, I stood and put my right hand over my heart. I explained that we did it to honor the flag, an emblem that represented our country and our freedom.
Preschoolers are like little sponges, so of course they did everything that I did. By the 10th flag, they had had enough and firmly planted their bottoms on the curb.
I looked around and noticed that many adults shared the sentiment and no longer stood for passing of the colors.
"How many flags do we have to salute?" my younger son cried out.
Good question. According to flag etiquette, you do not need to stand for a flag that is carried by a civilian or perched on top of a fire truck, but you do honor those flags carried by military personnel and veterans.
"We appreciate when people are respectful of the flag," said Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1197 Commander Andy Franke.
Franke, served in the United States Marine Corps from 1989 to 1993, and was stationed in Iraq during the Gulf War. He is excited about the VFW's 42nd Loyalty Day Parade, which takes place at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1.
The theme of this year's parade is the Flag Day Centennial Anniversary, so expect to see a lot of floats decorated in red, white and blue.
"I think that some people think that the Loyalty Day Parade is a military parade," said Franke. "But it really is about our city celebrating our country and the freedom that we enjoy, and, of course, honoring the flag."
The flag has a special meaning for Batavians because of the late Dr. Bernard J. Cigrand, a former Batavian who spent most of his lifetime trying to give the flag the honor it was due. Considered by many as the "Father of Flag Day," Dr. Cigrand wanted June 14 to be given national recognition as "Flag Day."
On June 14, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nationwide observance of Flag Day. Cigrand considered this one of his greatest accomplishments.
To honor the 100th anniversary of Flag Day, volunteers in Batavia are planning a citywide celebration. From 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 12, there will be a picnic with hot dogs and an ice cream social to benefit the fireworks. There will be plenty of games and activities for kids.
Two big activities will take place on Houston Street. An old-fashioned box car race takes place first, followed by the formation of Batavia's first "Human Flag," so plan to bring your family and participate in both of these events.
There will be plenty of music to entertain those who want to enjoy the day sitting along the river listening to high school groups and John Ivan, a professional guitarist.
On June 14, the Flag Day Committee has a special evening planned from 7 to 9 p.m. The Riverwalk will be feature 1,777 white bags decorated by Batavia schoolchildren.
Since Bernard J. Cigrand once challenged his students to write an essay on "What the American Flag means to me," today's writers are encouraged to tackle the topic as well.
There will be prizes for elementary, middle school, high school, adult, seniors and professional writers. Winning essays will be read at the celebration. There will be patriotic music provided by the Air Force National Guard Band and Batavia's first Patriotic Pop Up Chorus.
There are many ways to get involved. Check out the Flag Day website.
The prelude to this celebration begins when the Loyalty Day kicks off on Sunday.
"The VFW welcomes the opportunity to honor the flag," said Franke. "It represents our country, and all the freedoms we enjoy because of the sacrifices made by the brave servicemen and women who paved the way."
See you at the parade.
If you go
What: Batavia Loyalty Day parade
When: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1
Where: Parade route extends from Raddant Road to Wilson Street to Route 25, ending at the VFW post for a community picnic.
Cost: Free
Details: <a href="http://www.bataviavfw.org">www.bataviavfw.org</a> and <a href="http://www.bataviaflagday.com">www.bataviaflagday.com</a>