Memorial parade back in City of Lockport

Apr. 30—The Memorial Day Parade in the City of Lockport is set to return on Sunday, May 26 and this time it is a group effort between community groups including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Navy-Marine Club, The American Legion and the Elks Club.

There hasn't been a Memorial Day Parade in Lockport since 2019, prior to the onset of the Covid pandemic.

Stephanie Thurston, commander of VFW Post 2535, said that each year the organizations had traditionally taken turns organizing the parade and hosted an after-party at their respective clubhouse. That's not what is happening this year, Thurston said. It'll be a solemn celebration recognizing soldiers who have died in the line of duty, followed by an after-event on Canal Street.

Thurston wanted to be clear that the parade, which will start at 1 p.m. at Veterans Park, East Avenue, is not a time for political campaigning or "handing anything out" such as candy. Fire trucks in the procession will not activate their sirens.

"It's to remember our fallen," she said.

The overall Memorial Day "event," as it's being billed, will begin at 8 a.m. when wreaths are laid at the monuments at Veterans Park, Summit Street, Outwater Park and Ida Fritz Park.

Taps will be played and there will be an honor guard at each location.

At 11 a.m. a formal Memorial Day ceremony will commence at Cold Springs Cemetery. Many elderly local veterans are expected to attend, Thurston said.

From Veterans Park, the parade is to proceed west on East Avenue to Main Street, then north onto Pine Street, and end at Canal Street.

An after-party will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Canal Street, with food and entertainment.

Anyone who would like to register to participate in the parade can contact the VFW on their Facebook page, VFW Post 2535 — Lockport, NY.