The High Ridge Elks Lodge 2455 and Big River VFW Post 5331 will honor World War II veterans at the Flag Day parade on June 15.
Big River VFW Post commander Eva Maloney said June 6 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day when American troops landed along the Normandy coast in France.
“Our grand marshals are World War II veterans,” Maloney said. “I would love to see the streets lined in honor of the greatest generation.”
The Flag Day celebration will begin at the High Ridge Elks Lodge, 2808 Old Hunning Road. Elks member Chris Pratt said the float and vehicle lineup for the parade begins at 7:30 a.m. At 9 a.m., Elks members will hold a flag ceremony before the parade.
Pratt said the ceremony is used to share the history of the American flag and its many iterations.
“As part of the Elks, we always pay tribute to the flag and the veterans – those who allow us to have what we have today,” Pratt said. “There are usually several floats, we try to have authentic military vehicles, and we’ll be throwing out candy to anybody who stops (during the parade).”
The parade will head east on High Ridge Boulevard, crossing over Hwy. PP to Old Gravois Road. The parade will then turn right briefly onto Hwy. MM in House Springs before turning left onto Dulin Creek Road. From there, the parade will turn right on Local Hillsboro Road then make a left onto Cedar Hill Road and then a right onto Cedar Hill School Road. The parade will turn left onto Veteran’s Drive and head south, finishing at the Big River VFW at 1 Lynn Lane in Cedar Hill.
Over the years, Maloney said participation in the parade has dwindled. She hopes the community comes out and supports the World War II veterans, as this may be the last year some can attend the parade.
Those looking for more information on how to get involved in the Flag Day parade can reach out to either the lodge or the post, Maloney said. For the High Ridge Elks, call 636-677-3557. For the Big River VFW, call 636-274-5001.
“It’s something we look forward to, and we enjoy seeing the participation from the public along the parade route as we go by,” Pratt said.