PATRIOTIC PARADE
Saratoga Springs celebrates Flag Day with annual event
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » There wasn’t a rain cloud in sight Saturday during the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 50th Flag Day parade.
The parade honored the New York State Police, which is marking its 100th anniversary. Retired Major Michael R. Van Patten, a Saratoga resident and member of the New York Army National Guard, served as the grand marshal. Honorary grand marshals consisting of Elk members also led the parade.
The parade began on North Broadway and ended in Congress Park.
The 109th Unit of the Air Force even performed a flyover in a C-130 during the parade.
Event co-chair Susan Waghorn said before the event that a strong sense of community spirit and patriotism was the reason for the success of the parades over the last 50 years.
Spectators felt that sense of community in the heat Saturday afternoon.
“It’s a wonderful thing. It brings everyone together. It shows us pride,” said Arlene Hall, of Saratoga Springs. “It’s great for the kids, to get them to have some community pride.”
Arlene and her family try and make the parade every year.
Antoinette Hall, of Greenfield, attended the parade with her son, Jayden.
“This is the third time we’ve seen the parade,” said Antoinette. “It seems really big this year.”
The parade was filled with local high school bands, chorus groups, Girl Scouts and Boy
Scouts, sports groups, local organizations and politicians from across Saratoga County.
Of course, the parade also included many veterans.
Mert Eggleston, a Korean War veteran, took part in his 25th parade.
“It’s just a fun day,” said Eggleston.
“The family comes and watches the parade and then we have a party after.”
Sponsorships by the Saratoga Casino and Raceway, the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association and the Saratoga Springs PBA have allowed the Elks to include the Mummers from Philadelphia and the Schenectady Pipe Band in their line-up.
Antoinette noticed the parade seemed bigger than usual in its 50th year.
“It’s nice to see so many people,” said Antoinette. “Different nationalities, different religions, different beliefs just pulling people together and celebrating together. It’s really nice.”