APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – One of Appleton’s biggest events is back.
COVID-19 put the brakes on the Flag Day Parade last year, but American flags were flying high again Saturday.
“It’s a beautiful day for a parade!” Deb Cumming, branch manager of the North Shore Bank in Menasha said.
She says, Appleton’s Flag Day Parade is a staple in the area.
“It is a tremendous event for the community, and it is the largest parade, as I understand it, in the nation,” said Cumming.
Which is why, when it seemingly disappeared, many were disappointed.
“Kinda down, because we’ve been going to it for years, and years, and years,” Celeste Evers of Appleton said.
But especially, those who have participated in it for decades.
“For more years than I’ve been a part of the scout troop,” said Eric Cihlar, assistant scout master of Troop 57. “I think our scout troop is probably been around for 40 years.”
Cumming says, she’s proud her company has partaken in the parade year, after year.
“As I understand it, we’ve been in the parade for almost 30 years,” she said.
After a one year hiatus, due to COVID-19, the waving of flags, both large and small, could be seen again.
Patriotic music played by marching bands could be heard, once more.
“We’re gonna play a song called ‘Battle Hymn,” said director of music at Lutheran Vanguard Jonathan Witte. “It’s just a beautiful, patriotic tune, and really moving.”
And Wisconsin Avenue was, yet again, a sea of red, white and blue.
“It’s very exciting to be a part of that,” said Cumming.
This was the 70th Appleton Flag Day Parade.
The theme this year was “home of the brave,” honoring hometown heroes.
To pay tribute to frontline workers, the parade kicked off with 50 healthcare workers carrying 50 U.S. flags.
And, while the beloved parade was missed last year, it made it even more special this time around.
“It’s so nice to be outside with people, and just to celebrate Flag Day,” Maria Schultz of Appleton said.
“We’re real excited to carry the cross, and keep doing that, and carry the flag too, especially on this Flag Day,” said Witte.
The 2d Marine Division Band was included in the celebration this year. The band marched in the parade and performed in concert, afterward.
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