Chicora Holds Annual Memorial Day Parade and Program

Leading the parade is Fred Calihan, this year’s Parade Marshal, who is chauffeured by Guy Pistorius.

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Chicora: Memorial Day, May 25, had arrived and the Chicora American Legion Post 642, Chicora Borough, Chicora Moose and the Chicora Independent Hose Company’s plans for the day were under way. The groups jointly sponsor the annual Memorial Day parade and a special program at the Honor Roll.

This year’s Parade Marshal was Fred Calihan, a Chicora resident and a member of the American Legion Post 642. The annual parade started at 10:00 A.M., and is known to be one of the best Memorial Day parades in the area. Invited to the parade were fire trucks, antique cars, marching units and floats.

Following the parade a program has held at the town’s Honor Roll. This year’s Master of Ceremonies was James “Zip” Campbell. The program began with the singing of the National Anthem by Brynn Rankin, and the invocation was led by Rev. B.J. Leicher.

There was a solemn reading, by Ron Huff, of the deceased Veterans of the past year, with Charles Hetrick assisting with the ringing of the bell. There were 28 departed Veterans since last year’s Memorial Day celebration.

Randy Dunlap, Butler County’s, Legionnaire of the Year.

This year’s Butler County Legionnaire of the Year is Randy Dunlap, who was introduced at Honor Roll Program by Bruce Campbell.

This year’s guest speaker was 1st Sgt. USMC Ret., Dave Smith. Between Active and Reserve Service, Dave has given 34 years to the Great United States of America, and still gives of himself today! Some of Dave’s outside activities include; Commandant of the Marine Corps League Detachment 743, Voting Election Officer, Council Member Connoquenessing Borough, and is the recipient of the 2023 Butler County Veteran of the Year.

The American Legion 8th grade awards were presented to Dylan Helch of East Brady, the son of Richard Helch and Amanda Shuler; and Aubrey Fox of Cowansville, Pa. the daughter of Jason and Nichole Fox. The awards were presented by Ray Boyle.

Dylan Helch- American Legion 8th Grade Awards

Aubrey Fox, American Legion 8th Grade Awards winner.

Special thanks to Daria Ripper for all of her hard work for putting the Memorial Day Parade book together.

More photos below.

Dierken Ritzert,  American Legion Post 642 Color Guard.

At the Honor Roll program was the presentation of Memorial Wreath by Bob Ripper with Honor Guard to Ron Huff.

Members of the Karns City High School Band.

Four former Butler County Veteran of the Year honorees: L-R: Ron Huff, Bob Ripper, Gene Wise & Dave Smith. Dave Smith was this year’s guest speaker.

Dierken Ritzert, American Legion Post 642's float.