Organizers looking to expand Mohnton Memorial Day Parade

Apr. 10—What Tom Herman remembers the most was the sound.

"When I heard the noise coming down the street, I knew it was time to get my butt out of bed and onto the porch," he said.

Herman grew up in Mohnton, and his childhood home was right on the route of the annual Mohnton Memorial Day Parade. Hearing the sounds of bands and floats and people marching toward him always elicited excitement.

Herman wants to make sure the kids living in Mohnton today — and adults too, for that matter — get to have the same experience. And he wants that experience to be as memorable as possible.

The treasurer of the parade committee said this week that parade organizers are looking to expand the annual event, which is believed to be the longest-running Memorial Day parade in Berks County. They're asking any local organizations or businesses that want to take part to sign up and join in.

"All we ask is that you march or have a float with a patriotic theme," he said.

The parade, which will be held for the 62nd straight year, will take place on Memorial Day, which this years lands on May 27. It begins at 9 a.m. at the Mohnton VFW and ends with a memorial service at Mohnsville Cemetery.

Herman said churches, dance troops, car clubs, bands, Boy Scout troops and other local organizations are already signed up. And, he said, the event will feature its traditional performance by the award-winning Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps.

"It's a nice size parade," Herman said. "But we'd like to see it grow even bigger."

Herman said the parade serves as a great way to bring the Mohnton community together, while also honoring those who gave their lives in service of their country.

"It brings together a lot of people and grows community spirit," he said. "This country needs to increase its patriotic spirit and grow its sense of community."

Any organizations interested in taking part in the parade can contact Herman at 610-909-4968 or Jeff Shanely at 610-334-7095.