An honor guard made up of members of Milford American Legion Post 226 leads Milford’s Memorial Day Parade.

Text and Photos
By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — Folks started staking their claim for a spot to watch the Milford Memorial Day Parade, held today, Monday, May 26, early as sunny skies and warm weather brought out the crowd.

The parade was lead by members of Milford American Legion Post 226. The color guard stopped in front of Milford Town Hall for a brief ceremony including firing three volleys before proceeding down the parade route.

Kids of all ages took delight as many of the floats in the parade threw candy. Milford Helping Hands 4-H Club and Blue Barn Berry Farm had floats showcasing their organizations. There was a large representation of emergency vehicles from neighboring communities. Members of Post 226 who didn’t want to walk in the parade road on a float and through candy. Members of the Milford Lions Club had their own flatbed where members waved to the crowd.

Along with the emergency vehicles, there were a few Army vehicles, classic cars and vintage tractors to delight the crowd.

After the parade, several headed out to Milford Cemetery where American Legion members held a brief service. Pastor Stephen Wilson of the Christian Church of Milford and Post chaplain, was the speaker. He told the crowd Milford has a right to be proud as over a third of those laid to rest in Milford Cemetery, over 300, served their country and then came home to serve their community.

“In these days it is easy to underestimate the importance of getting young people involved: he said. He spoke of getting young people involved in church and civic organizations in the community were important and how military service reinforced that idea.”

Speaking of Memorial Day and what is symbolizes, “It’s the pride of Post 226 to be a part of that honor year after year,” Wilson said. Continuing, Wilson noted, “There is a great effort in the town to revitalize a sense of community … We are part of that process whether serving at Memorial Day or for a veteran’s funeral.”

Wilson noted during the parade he along with the other members of the post wore their American Legion jackets. In his jacket was the roll call of those who passed away in 2024. As the weather had warmed, Wilson wasn’t wearing his jacket at the cemetery. He promised to read the roll call next year.

After Wilson’s remarks, The honor guard moved out while members of the Wawasee High School Marching Band played patriotic music. The honor guard fired three volleys, the band played the national anthem and DJ Stump played Taps on his bugle.