A stone in memorial to all submariners lost during World War II will be unveiled in a short ceremony after the Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 11.
The annual parade is set to begin at 1 p.m. The staging area is on Townsend Way. The parade will travel from the south four-way stop at Curtis Avenue/Lee Town Road/Slack Street to the north four-way stop at North Curtis Avenue and Pickens Road, turn right (east) and end at the intersection of North Davis Street and East Pickens Road.
There is no entry fee for floats.
Community participation and floats are welcome. Veterans are encouraged to participate and they may either ride in a vehicle, on a float or walk (preferably in uniform), according to parade organizer Chris Snow.
During World War II, the submarine service had the highest loss of life of all services on a per capita basis, according to former submariner Pete Rathmell. When a submarine was damaged or sunk, all hands were lost. Only on a few occasions did a crew member survive.
"We are honoring the memory of these gallant submariners and their boats with this granite stone," Rathmell said. "We are also remembering the two boats lost after WWII."
Entry options in the parade include, but are not limited to: Band, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, War in Iraq, War in Afghanistan, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, military vehicles, Grand Marshal, Rosie the Riveter, JROTC, Civil Air patrol, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, POW/MIA, VFW, American Legion and public service vehicles (police, fire, ambulance).
For additional information, contact Chris Snow at 479-381-1248 or Kasey Snow at 479-381-1729. For information regarding the PRHS Veteran Day ceremony, contact Misty Harris at 800-451-1343.
Community on 10/25/2017