The late Herbert Thorpe is this year's Honor America Days honorary grand marshal

Utica Observer Dispatch
·2 min read

The late Herbert Thorpe, a Tuskegee Airman and electrical engineer at the former Rome Air Development Center, is this year’s honorary grand marshal for Rome’s annual Honor America Days, the city announced Monday.

This year’s theme for the event is celebrating our heritage and the event is now scheduled to have a month-long series of events that coincide with the parade on Saturday, July 27.

Local centenarian Herbert Thorpe passed away on Jan. 28 at the Rome Memorial Hospital.Thorpe flew with the Tuskegee Airmen, rising above racial barriers during World War II.
Local centenarian Herbert Thorpe passed away on Jan. 28 at the Rome Memorial Hospital.Thorpe flew with the Tuskegee Airmen, rising above racial barriers during World War II.

“We’re looking forward to another great year of Rome’s signature event,” said Honor America Days Committee Chairman Christopher Destito Jr in a statement. “We’re grateful to Herb Thorpe’s family for allowing us to honor his legacy with the title of Honorary Grand Marshal.”

Remembering Herbert Thorpe

A local centenarian, Thorpe passed away on Jan. 28 at Rome Memorial Hospital.

Those close to him described him as a role model, mentor and a gentleman.

Thorpe flew with the Tuskegee Airmen, rising above racial barriers during World War II.

In the 1970s, he became a founding member of the Rome NAACP Chapter. Up until the spry age of 101, he continued to mentor Jackie Nelson, the current Rome NAACP chapter president.

Rome's annual Honor America Days returns in July with a month-long slate of events.
Rome's annual Honor America Days returns in July with a month-long slate of events.

Month worth of activities

The 13-division parade will step off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 27. The Syracuse Symphony  pops concert will begin at 8 p.m. that evening, with a fireworks display when it gets dark.

There are several exciting events surrounding the parade kicking off with:

  • July 4: Fireworks and the Re-lighting of the Revere Copper sign

  • July 9: Business After Hours at Rome Art & Community Center with the City of Rome

  • July 11: Cycle the Erie Block Party

  • July 15: Outdoor Movie (film and location TBD)

  • July 19-21: World Series of Bocce at the Toccolana Club

  • July 25: Christmas in July along West Dominick St.

  • July 27: Honor America Days

  • July 31: Law Enforcement Day at Franklyn’s Field

  • August 3: Canal Fest at Bellamy Harbor Park

A Rome tradition since the 1980’s, Honor America Days is the largest community event in the city.

Parade applications are live and can be found at: romechamber.com.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Late Tuskegee Airman is honorary grand marshal for Honor America Days