Every first Saturday in August since 1952, Alpharettans have come together for the annual spectacle known as the Old Soldiers Day Parade.
It’s the result of yearlong planning by Alpharetta American Legion Post 201 and its more than 825 wartime veterans, its Ladies Auxiliary Unit, Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Riders.
The 61st edition will include around one hundred marching units with the usual mix of high school bands, Shriners, civic organizations, military units, politicians, and of course, old soldiers – veterans from throughout North Georgia from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan.
This year’s grand marshal and keynote speaker is retired Air Force Colonel Leon “Lee” Ellis, a fighter pilot shot down and captured during a mission over North Vietnam and who spent 5 1/2 years in the notorious Hanoi Hilton prisoner of war camp. Ellis is the author of several books and is a frequent contributor as a military expert on cable news shows.
The theme of the 2013 parade is “Leading with Honor - Honor Their Sacrifice.” The Legion has dedicated this year’s parade to the hundreds of Vietnam War combatants who endured brutality, deprivation and in some cases – died in captivity. The story of America’s POW’s is seldom told but one which speaks eloquently of the bravery, defiance and love of country worthy of our collective respect and admiration.
While the American Legion has been organizing the parade since 1952, its origins date back to the time following the War Between the States. That’s when Confederate Soldiers living around what was then Milton County would bivouac for several days each year to relive the comradeship born of war. However, in the decades that followed, age and infirmity brought an end to the annual gathering around the time of the Great Depression.
Then, in 1952, a small group of veterans from the recently organized American Legion Post decided that “Old Soldiers Day” should be re-established as an annual community celebration and memorial to America’s Veterans.
I remember my own introduction to the parade after transferring to Post 201 about 8 years ago. I was wowed by both the size of the parade and the thousands of people who turned out to watch and cheer.
Post 201 Commander and Parade General Chairman Bob Votta says the event accomplishes two main goals of the Legion. “It honors our military veterans and gives the community an opportunity to say thank you for their service and sacrifice.”
Mark the calendar for Aug. 3 at 9 a.m. when festivities begin as the Alpharetta Community Band presents patriotic music selections before the program begins at 10 a.m. and the big parade steps off around 10:30 on Main Street, Alpharetta.
Marty Farrell lives in Cumming and can be reached at martysyracuse@yahoo.com.
