37th annual Memorial Day Parade, Service set for May 28
This year’s parade and service to commemorate Memorial Day in Exeter Township will feature former township supervisor Jeff Bukowski as keynote speaker and a new director, Lorraine Selke, leading the marching band.
Exeter’s 37th annual Memorial Day parade will leave Exeter Township Senior High School at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 28 and end at Forest Hills Memorial Park. The service will immediately follow the parade, from about 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Bukowski, who was elected vice commander of American Legion Post 934 in February, will deliver the keynote address during the memorial service. Attendees may recognize him from his recently completed tenure on Exeter Township’s board of supervisors. Previously, he served five years active duty as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. He is
a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.
Exeter Township’s marching band, headed by new Band Director Lorraine Selke, will lead the parade and delight those who attend the service by playing America the Beautiful, the Star-Spangled Banner, and crowd-favorite God Bless the U.S.A.
Former Exeter Fire Marshal Terry Francis will serve as the parade’s grand marshal, driving the Exeter Township Fire Department’s 1951 Mac Pumper in the procession.
Each year, Exeter’s police, the Exeter and Antietam marching bands, local volunteer fire and ambulance companies, members of local Lions clubs and scout troops, and floats sponsored by the Exeter Library, Carole Shoppes Florist, Relay for Life, Exeter Bible Church and more join in the march. This year’s parade will also highlight two poppy princesses—Madison Roth and Madison Hahn—who continue the service of ancestors who were officers of Exeter American Legion Post 934. Weather permitting, a contingent of antique and classic cars often cap off the procession.
“The parade is a celebration in appreciation of the people who serve our community and country every day,” says Parade Chairman Jesse Ritz. “The service that follows is a solemn remembrance of all the servicemen and women who have lost their lives in military service.”
Post 934 Commander and Chaplain John Fielding will open the service with the invocation, followed by the introduction of the poppy princesses and grand marshal by Post 934 Adjutant Lawrence Roth. The program begins with Bukowski’s keynote address. The benediction, delivered by Rev. Wendy Orzolek of North-Star United Methodist Church, signifies the start of the memorial portion of the service.
In the event of rain, cancellation of the parade will be announced on WEEU radio 830 AM just prior to the start of the parade. The service is held rain or shine.