THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505190230
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
World War II veterans will be especially honored at this year's traditional Memorial Day Parade at 10 a.m. May 29.
The parade's grand marshal will be Frank Kirby, a prominent Portsmouth man whose war injuries left him on crutches for the rest of his life. Although laboring under a handicap, Kirby personifies many World War II survivors who have been productive citizens.
Immediately following the parade, a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the ending of World War II will be held around the American flag in Veterans Park at the foot of High Street.
The Memorial Day Parade dates to the 1880s and is considered the oldest continuous parade in Virginia, according to parade chairman J. Herbert Simpson. Simpson has served as chairman for more than 50 years and said he believes it was over 100 years old in 1985.
``The parade is dedicated to those who gave their lives in order that all Americans can enjoy the freedom that is ours today,'' Simpson said. ``We also salute our Medal of Honor recipients and their families on this day.''
The parade will form at the site of the former Portsmouth Stadium and march down London Boulevard to Crawford Street, where it will turn right to High Street where a reviewing stand will be located. World War II veterans will be special guests at the reviewing stand.
The U.S. Continental Army Band from Fort Monroe will be the lead band for the parade which also will include bands from Churchland High School, Nansemond River High School, Wilson High School and Park View Elementary School, and the Christian Antioch Drum Corps.
The Tidewater Area Police unit of 10 motorcycles will lead the parade followed by the Portsmouth Police Honor Guard and the Chesapeake Police Honor Guard.
Other participants will include marching units and color guards from Fort Eustis, the Marine Corps JROTC Marching Unit of Portsmouth, the 5th Coast Guard District, the American Legion and the Fleet Reserve Association. Drill teams from James Hurst Elementary and Highland Biltmore Schools also will participate.
Volunteer fire departments from Driver, Carrollton, Whaleyville and Chesapeake will bring equipment for the parade.
Floats will be entered by the Submarine Veterans of World War II, the Naval Shipyard, the Portsmouth/West Chesapeake Red Cross, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Fleet Reserve.
The Cherry Point Posse of six Western horseback riders will complete the 65-unit parade. MEMO: [For related stories, see microfilm of The Currents for this date.]
KEYWORDS: MEMORIAL DAY by CNB