Updated: Cranston Veterans Day Parade – Nov. 11th

Photo: RINewsToday Veterans writer, John A. Cianci, at last year’s Cranston Veterans Day Parade – photo by Jeff Gross

Cranston Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins reminds all Cranston residents and surrounding neighbors of Cranston’s Veterans Day Parade on this Friday, November 11, 2022.

“Once again, our community will join together to show its well-deserved support and appreciation to all our veterans with a planned commemoration to past and present service members,” said Mayor Hopkins.

He said, “I invite all residents to enjoy this Friday’s parade which starts off at 11:30 am at the Legion Bowl on Park Avenue.” The mayor said the parade route will travel down Park Avenue, past City Hall and turn on to Hayward Street and Rolfe Street.  “We will finish up at the Rolfe Square memorial with a short speaking program to remember and thank our service members”.

Mayor Hopkins said some of the parade participants will include the Cranston Police Honor Guard; elected officials; band members and cheerleaders from Cranston High School East and West; youth groups including the Boys and Girls scouts; Special Olympic athletes and local school children.  “We will be honored with veterans from various legion posts and service organizations,” Hopkins said. “Parade watchers will see antique cars, military vehicles and fire and police apparatus along the parade route.”

Mayor Hopkins said he was especially looking forward to the participation of 101-year-old Navy veteran and Cranston resident Donald Mellor who will serve as the parade grand marshal.   “My friend Don Mellor represents the very best in our veterans and our community.”

Hopkins said the parade, that was reinstituted last year, has been a focal point of Cranston’s spirit and respect for our veterans.  “I hope everyone will come out and join in the celebration to honor those who have served in war or peace and who have dedicated themselves and sacrificed for the liberties and lives we enjoy today.”

The mayor said, “In this week of Tuesday’s elections, when we exercise a privilege to select our representatives in government, we end our week honoring those who fought and served so we have that right of self-governance.”  

PS – If you hear roaring overhead – look up! US Coast Guard, Cape Cod, may be doing a helicopter flyover – weather dependent!

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NEW: 222 Free Turkeys before/after Cranston Veterans Day Parade – go to Park Place Cafe, 848 Park Ave, Cranston. Turkeys will be offered until supply runs out. Show up, ask for a turkey, no questions asked – Semper Fi, Justyn Charon, Veteran Outreach Program Specialist