The Strasburg Area Sertoma Club, in cooperation with the former Paul R. Strubel VFW Post 8710, will sponsor a parade and service on Monday, May 30, to honor the sacrifices of deceased veterans, service members missing in action, retired veterans and those who are currently serving in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Parade formation will begin at 8 a.m. along Clearview Drive, and will commence at 9 a.m. The Memorial Day service will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Strasburg Cemetery, 50 W. Franklin St., Strasburg.

Strasburg has a long tradition of honoring fallen heroes, with VFW members starting their efforts more than 70 years ago. Community service organizations, Scout troops and church groups have been busy preparing parade floats. "Each year, veterans and young service persons arrive and offer to participate in the parade by walking the route or riding in a classic car. It is truly a community event," remarked Barb Rathbone-Frank.

The Rev. Dave Ryan, pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church in Strasburg, will be the keynote speaker at this year's service. Strasburg resident and veteran Bob Marshal has been chosen as honorary grand marshal for the parade. "We felt that it was fitting to honor Bob," remarked parade chairman Brian Barr of the Sertoma Club.

Once again this year, organizers encourage people of all ages to join Bare Bones Bike Shop Crew and ride their decorated bicycles in the parade. "We feel this is a great way to get the community involved in the festivities," commented Barr. Community members are also encouraged to continue the tradition, started several years ago, of displaying flags and other patriotic decorations along the parade route.

The tradition of placing flags, provided free of charge by the National VFW, in Strasburg-area cemeteries marking veterans' final resting places will continue. Local Boy Scout troops, the Strasburg Lodge of Odd Fellows and other community volunteers will assist in placing the flags. Anyone who would like to help place flags may contact Barr at sgt30th@yahoo.com. Members of the Sertoma Club will help to distribute VFW Buddy Poppies, which will be available for a donation along the parade route. Again this year, a special float, sponsored by the Strasburg Sertoma, will pay tribute to service members killed in action or missing. The Lampeter-Strasburg High School marching unit will participate in the parade, and the memorial service will include a performance by the L-S Community Band.

Parade goers are reminded that the parade procession will stop first at Wesley United Methodist Church, 40 W. Main St., Strasburg, where veterans have been interred at the cemetery behind the church. After a salute, the parade participants and spectators will observe a moment of silence to honor deceased veterans; the parade will then proceed. The parade will halt next in front of Saint Michael's Lutheran Church, where honor will be paid to veterans buried in the church's historic graveyard. Local Girl Scouts will place bouquets of flowers at each cemetery. After doubling back along East Main Street, the parade will stop at the War Memorial at the Square, where VFW members will lead a flag-changing ceremony.

After the parade, attendees may take a short walk to the Strasburg Cemetery for the memorial service. Strasburg Mayor Bruce Ryder and local clergy will assist in the program.

In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled, with notification given to WGAL and FM97, and the memorial service will take place in the fellowship hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg at 10:30 a.m. For more information about the Memorial Day events in Strasburg or to register a group to participate in the parade, contact Barr at the aforementioned email address.