"This is a day of remembrance of people who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," said Bill King, describing Memorial Day activities in Manheim. The Manheim Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 30, at the Manheim Central football stadium, 400 E. Adele Ave., followed by a ceremony. The parade will run a loop through town, proceeding west on High Street, north on Main Street and east on Gramby Street before returning to the stadium for the ceremony. The event is organized by the Manheim VFW Post 5956 - Cyrus R. Peters Memorial Post.

Parade participants will include local fire departments, civic groups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, American Legion Riders and more. "We'll have a float to recognize fallen soldiers," said Tracy Tunstall, a member of the VFW auxiliary. Two local National Guard units will participate in the parade and ceremony as well, and veterans are encouraged to take part in the parade. "We would really like local vets to join us and walk, and there is no pressure to join the VFW," Tunstall said. "We just want to know who they are and honor them."

Retired Brig. Gen. George Schwartz will be the featured speaker at the ceremony. King, a lifetime member of the VFW and parade chair, will honor fallen veteran Martin Sauble Jr. "He was a graduate of Manheim Central High School, and he was killed in action in Vietnam," King noted. A member of the 82nd Airborne Division, Sauble died at age 21. He was awarded the Purple Heart, among another commendations. After honoring Sauble, King will read a list of Manheim veterans who have died in service since World War II. The ceremony will also feature winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen essay contests.

King encourages anyone with information on Manheim veterans to contact the VFW. "We'd love to hear stories or get any information if someone recognizes a name on the list of the fallen," he said. "We want to know more about these veterans so we can honor them."

That's what the parade and ceremony are all about, he noted, adding, "It's an opportunity to learn about the history of Manheim and the people who served and gain some knowledge about who they were."

In the event of rain, the parade may be canceled, but the ceremony will still be held, moving to the large pavilion across from Manheim Central High School. For more information on the parade and ceremony, search for "Manheim VFW Post 5956 - Cyrus R. Peters Memorial Post" on Facebook.