Oakmont and Verona officials are working to restore the twin boroughs’ Memorial Day parade.
The annual event to honor the men and women who fought and died for this country was canceled last year because of the pandemic.
Both borough councils recently gave approval to their respective committees to begin planning its return.
“It’s a good tradition we have,” said Dave Matlin, vice president of Verona Council. “If we can do it in a way that’s keeping with the safety guidelines for covid, and making sure that people can still have some enjoyment on the weekend to kickoff the summer and honor fallen veterans, I think it’s great.”
A date and time for the parade has not been set. Memorial Day is May 31.
Masks may be required for participants and onlookers. It is unclear what other covid safety protocols may be in place.
“(We) would just be flowing with what’s happening at the time,” Oakmont police Chief Michael Ford said about any restrictions. “It’s changing every day. If something would come in (and) we need to shut it down, I think we would have to. I think right now, it’s only, hopefully, getting better. I’ll leave that up to the health department or (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). If something changes, then we’d have to react.”
Leah Powers, Oakmont Council vice president, said she would like organizers to provide signage encouraging people to wear masks.
“I would like to see the parade happen,” Powers said. “I still think, even if people are vaccinated, that if we’re crowding them by blocks to watch a parade, people should be wearing masks.”
Previous parades began with a lineup at the Fraternal Order of Eagles lodge, 315 James St., Verona.
It travels along Allegheny River Boulevard to Pennsylvania Avenue in Oakmont.
Participants included local Boy Scout troops, Riverview High School marching band, Plum Air Force Junior ROTC, Verona and Oakmont fire and police departments, as well local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars motorcycle clubs. Other related activities were a 21-gun salute and wreath presentation at the cannon and Doughboy statue in Verona and at the Carnegie Library of Oakmont.
It is unclear if organizers will keep the traditional service following the parade at the Oakmont-Verona Cemetery.
