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Celebrating a day early this year, Saturday, July 13th marks the 65th annual Flag Day parade in Appleton, Wisconsin. Billed as the largest Flag Day parade in the U.S., this is one of the most popular Appleton, Wisconsin family events of the year. The parade kicks off at 2:00pm and follows the same route it has since 1957 when it was expanded to celebrate Appleton’s Centennial.One of the many aspects that makes this parade unique and demonstrates how symbolic the parade is of the holiday is the annual choice of the Grand Marshal. “Each year, the City of Appleton Flag Day Parade’s Grand Marshal is the American Flag,” read a statement released earlier this year by the Appleton, Wisconsin Otis family, who has been coordinating the parade since 1975. “‘Old Glory’ rides in the Parade's lead vehicle to kick off the oldest Flag Day Parade in the nation.”
There is always an honorary Parade Marshall to accompany the stars and stripes. As befitting an event that celebrates the sacrifice of the armed forces, the choice is usually a decorated person from one of the branches. This year, that distinction goes to Rear Admiral Gerald W. Clusen. A native of nearby Manitowoc, Jerry – as he is known to his friends – enlisted in the Navy in 1971 and spent 42 years in active and reserve duty before retiring in 2013.
In a statement announcing the selection, Clusen says he didn’t plan to make a career in the Navy but he is “thankful for the opportunity to be shaped by people who sincerely care about what they do and are committed to getting the job done.” The Appleton, Wisconsin parade will also honor two long time volunteers in memoriam this year, Ray Kaufman and Bill Schultz.
Many Appleton, Wisconsin entertainment companies and residents look forward to this summer event, not only as a way to come together as a community and spend time with family and friends, but also as way of introduction to the thousands of people who flock to the Fox Valley area to witness this spectacular event.
“This is the type of event that personifies why so many people love living in this area,” said Wayne Nolden, owner of Fun Pros Events, when asked what it was that set this parade apart from others in the nation. “Being here isn’t a recreation of what life in a small town is like. It’s the real deal.”
Nolden points out the desire more and more people have to experience life in a smaller town with simpler values as a reason more businesses and families are moving to the area. His company, which specializes in renting inflatable attractions as well as organizing corporate team building events, has seen a steady growth over the last few years driven as much by repeat business as by clients who are new to the area.
For more information on the parade, please follow on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Appleton-Flag-Day-Parade/90849509066
**Jack Terry is a freelance writer who specializes in covering Americana, family entertainment, and what to do with your kids during the summer
Contact Info:
Name: Jack Terry
Email: Send Email
Organization: Team Wildflower
Website: http://www.funprosevents.com/
Release ID: 82811
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