City to host annual Memorial Day parade on May 26 | City of Sarasota
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
City of Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota, in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, will host the annual Memorial Day parade at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, in downtown Sarasota.
The parade will start at Main Street and Osprey Avenue and conclude at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park, located at Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue, where a ceremony will be held at approximately 11 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
This year’s guest speaker will be Sonny Bywaters. In 1980, Sonny helped form the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee and, for the past 45 years, has dedicated his time to honoring our nation’s heroes. Sonny joined the United States Marine Corps in 1959 and, after being promoted to corporal, served on the aircraft carrier USS Boxer during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Sonny left the service in 1963 and moved his family to Florida in 1969, eventually settling in Sarasota. In 1976, Sonny joined the American Legion and worked his way to becoming State Vice-Commander, earning him the prestigious honor of Life Membership.
The parade will include performances by the Sarasota Military Academy band and participation from local law enforcement agencies, first responders, color guards, veterans’ groups, community organizations, and local dignitaries.
Commercial vehicles will not be allowed to participate in the parade. In addition, parade participants are prohibited from throwing objects, including candy, to the crowd.
For more information, contact Dan Kennedy, Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee Chairman, at 941-812-5406.