ALTON — A police automobile and fireplace truck gave option to coloration guards and Civil Struggle re-enactors — then Jeeps, marching bands, extra Jeeps, politicians and, lastly, a protracted line of Corvettes because the 155th Annual Alton Memorial Day Parade made its approach by means of the streets on Monday morning.
Billed as one of many solely continually-running Memorial Day parades within the nation, this 12 months’s occasion boasted 5 grand marshals, all World Struggle II veterans.
Artwork Williams, one 12 months shy of 100, was one in every of them. A U.S. Army veteran, he was initially positioned with the 14th Armored Division, then with the fortieth Armored Division within the Pacific Theater.
He served within the New Guinea marketing campaign, however was pulled out of the invasion of the Philippines as a result of he obtained an appointment to West Level.
He famous that if Japan had not surrendered, issues might need gone very otherwise for his unit.
“The invasion plan for Japan had the 40th Division going into the south of the island and being worn out to let the principle drive go ahead,” he mentioned. “It was simply a part of the plan.”
Though he went to West Level, he didn’t graduate as a result of nearly the entire 130 males who obtained battlefield appointments ultimately had been resigned, partly, he mentioned, as a result of “it was not the kind of training a few of us thought we had been going to get there.”
On Monday Williams mentioned it was a “nice day and an exquisite day for a parade.” He added he had participated within the parade for a few years, and had been its grand marshal a number of years in the past.
“It’s a terrific parade we have now, and I’m very happy to serve once more whereas I’m nonetheless round,” he mentioned.
“There aren’t many people left,” he mentioned of World Struggle II veterans. “We’re fading out very quickly. We’ve seen lots of modifications within the nation over these 100 years.”
The opposite grand marshals for Monday’s parade included Harry Hill, Jack Inexperienced, Wealthy Wickenhauser and Alan Rodenfield.
The Alton Center College parking zone was a busy place because the parade was forming up.
Evie Kunzcook, of Highland, was marching with the Civil Air Patrol.
“America is vital to me,” she mentioned.
Elsewhere, musicians had been getting in closing follow as navy models made closing uniform checks and others bought prepared.
“It’s an exquisite day and we anticipate it to be an exquisite day all through,” mentioned Steve Schwarz, an organizer with the East Finish Enchancment Affiliation, one of many parade’s sponsor. “Individuals are beginning to collect and it appears like a pleasant parade.”
He mentioned there have been about 50 models on this 12 months’s parade, starting from the Jeep and Corvette golf equipment to marching bands.
He additionally mentioned it’s a level of delight that it this was the 155th annual Memorial Day Parade in Alton. Schwarz mentioned there are a handful of different teams within the nation who additionally declare the title of longest working Memorial Day Parade.
Whereas it was formally canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, organizers nonetheless held a smaller parade with only a few autos and no giant crowds of spectators.
“Final 12 months folks got here out, and this 12 months I believe we’re going to have lots of our regulars again,” he mentioned.
Kathryn Randall, of Alton, was together with her household at a selection spot — the intersection of Washington and Faculty the place the parade doubles again on itself. She mentioned it is her typical spot.
“Since I’m going to return, I wish to see as a lot as I can,” Randall mentioned. “I wish to see it coming and going so I don’t miss something.”
She mentioned she was “introduced up on coming to the parade,” however moved away from the realm. After nearly 50 years she moved again in 2016, and has made the parade an annual occasion (apart from 2020).
“It’s vital,” she mentioned. “Alton is a small city and we don’t get lots of actions. So no matter we do get I simply attempt to assist.”
For her daughter, Tanisha Casey, additionally of Alton, the parade is about household.
“My mother chooses this spot,” she mentioned. “For me, personally, as a result of it’s vital to them (her household); that’s why I’m right here.
Across the nook, Laura Eyer was sitting within the shade of a tree on the north facet of Faculty close to the CVS retailer. Just a few bushes on that facet supplied shade, one thing the south facet of the road didn’t have.
“We bought right here early as a result of my son is marching with Piasa Martial Arts,” she mentioned. “We needed to drop him off and we bought a great spot.”
She mentioned you will need to present assist for each the group and nation.
Just a few toes down from her, Howard Blackwood, additionally of Alton, was having fun with the shade.
“We come out yearly and sit proper right here and watch the parade,” he mentioned.
The Army veteran served 1952-54 with the 516th Sign Corps in Europe.
“I spent a 12 months within the Austrian Alps,” he mentioned. “I really loved being there. The rationale we had been there, they figured Russia was going to return into the Korean Battle, and we had been there to cease them. All we did was follow, follow, follow.”
On Washington Avenue, Mike Hunt of Alton was prepared to look at the parade. He had a daughter in one of many Woman Scout teams.
“The boys all the time set out the flags,” he mentioned. “Usually I’m within the parade, however not this 12 months.”
Initially referred to as Ornament Day, Memorial Day started in Could 1868 at a number of areas nationwide to honor each Union and Accomplice troopers who died throughout the Civil Struggle. Many occasions, the ceremonies and efforts had been headed by ladies. This was very true within the South, as a result of so quickly after the Civil Struggle it might need been thought of a violation of their loyalty oath, and treason, for former Accomplice troopers to prepare memorials or put on uniforms.
Alton’s parade is touted as being one of many first, and the longest regularly working Memorial Day Parade within the nation. Though comparatively removed from the battlefields (besides early conflicts in St. Louis), Madison County consists of a substantial amount of historical past associated to the Civil Struggle.
The 1837 dying of abolitionist minister and newspaper writer Elijah Lovejoy is taken into account one of many occasions that framed the eventual battle. Alton additionally performed a outstanding position within the Underground Railroad.
Through the struggle hundreds of Accomplice prisoners had been housed in a former federal jail in Alton. Many died of illness or accidents and had been buried on an island within the Mississippi River that has since disappeared, or on the North Alton Accomplice Cemetery on Rozier Road.
Madison County raised greater than 4,000 males for the Union military.
U.S. Sen. Lyman Trumbull of Alton was the co-author of the 13th Modification which ended slavery within the U.S.
It’s famous that Memorial Day honors those that have died, whereas Veterans’ Day honors all who served.
