The 75th Anniversary of Appleton’s Flag Day Parade will take place in downtown Appleton on Saturday, June 13. First organized in 1950 by the Appleton Elks Club, it is recognized as the nation’s oldest Flag Day Parade.
The parade will step off at 2 p.m. near State Street and College Avenue and end at Drew Street. The route this year has been condensed for safety reasons.
The theme of the parade is “Stars, Stripes, and New Beginnings” and will feature nearly 20 musical units, including Quantico Marine Band, Navy Band Great Lakes, 484th Army Band, 1st Brigade Band, Americanos Alumni Association, The 2/5th’s Party Band, Big Top Brass, Elite Striders, and The Badger Band (featuring members of the University of Wisconsin Band).
Local marching bands, including all three Appleton public high schools, Valley Troubadours, New Horizons, Lakeside Lutheran High School, the Lutheran Vanguard, and Appleton City Band.
The 75th Appleton Flag Day Parade will recognize retired Master Sergeant Donald M. Pulda as this year’s Escort to the Flag. A Gulf War veteran, Pulda served more than 26 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring in September 2010 after distinguished service with the 395th Ordnance Company and 2nd Brigade, 70th Division. An ammunition specialist and heavy equipment operator, he deployed in support of both Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror, earning numerous military honors including the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and multiple reserve achievement awards. A 1982 graduate of Appleton East High School, Pulda was promoted to Master Sergeant in 2005 and remains deeply connected to the Appleton community.
“There’s an unparalleled amount of pride and patriotism in the Fox Cities,” said Corey Otis, Chairman of the Appleton Parade Committee. “The 75th Appleton Flag Day Parade provides an opportunity for our community to come to College Avenue and celebrate ‘Old Glory’ as well as the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence.”
The Otis family has been heading the parade committee since 1975. Corey was preceded in this role by his father, Greg Otis, who was preceded by his father, “Bud” Otis. The mission has always been to produce first-class displays of patriotism.
And more …
June 13 will be a busy day in Appleton. In addition to the Flag Day Parade, Appleton will hold its weekly Farmers Market beginning at 8:00 a.m. At noon, Houdini Plaza will host a pre-parade concert by the 484th Army Band followed by the 1st Brigade Band, a Civil War-era band from Watertown. In addition, the annual PRIDE Festival starts with a Promenade on College Avenue at 11:30. PRIDE festivities will continue at Jones Park until 8 p.m.
The fun begins on College Avenue at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, with the Downtown Appleton Farm Market. At 12:00 p.m., Houdini Plaza will host a pre-parade concert by the 484th Army Band followed by the 1st Brigade Band, a Civil War-era band from Watertown.
