The Big River VFW Post 5331 in Cedar Hill and the High Ridge Elks Lodge will hold its annual Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 11.
The 10-mile-long parade, which will start at 9:45 a.m. at the VFW Post, 1 Lynn Lane, is designed to remind people to have pride in the American flag, said Eva Maloney, the post’s commander.
“I think it’s important to bring out that sense of honor and pride that sometimes is missing,” she said. “People usually find that honor and pride during special times, the Fourth of July, but I think it needs to be honored every single day and people need to understand what the flag is and why it’s so important to our American way of life.”
Maloney said the public is invited to take part in the parade, and entry is free.
She said anyone who wants to drive a vehicle in the parade is asked to gather at 8:15 a.m. at the post.
The Cedar Hill and High Ridge fire protection districts will lead the parade.
Maloney said this year’s grand marshal is Russell McGlade, 96, of Byrnes Mill, who was a World War II Army paratrooper.
Maloney said it is important to honor local veterans.
“They’re unfortunately dwindling away, and when we lose them, we lose their experience and their knowledge,” she said.
Maloney said members of the Elks Club and some Boy Scouts will hold a flag ceremony before the parade.
She said refreshments will be available at the Elks Lodge after the parade.
Maloney said the parade has been held for more than 30 years and next year’s parade will start at the Elks Lodge and end at the VFW.
After this year’s parade takes off from the VFW post, it will proceed to Veterans Drive, turn onto Cedar Hill School Road and then Cedar Hill Road, to Local Hillsboro Road and then Dulin Creek Road, to Hwy. MM and Gravois Road, and then will cross Hwy. 30 before ending at the High Ridge Elks, 2802 Old Hunning Road.