Armed Forces Day Parade (Bremerton)

Armed Forces Day Parade
Marines of the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment pictured during the 2015 Armed Forces Day Parade
StatusActive
FrequencyAnnually
Location(s)Bremerton, Washington, United States
InauguratedMay 15, 1948 (1948-05-15)
Attendance25,000 to 40,000
Websitegreaterkitsapchamber.com/armed-forces-day-festival/

The Armed Forces Day Parade in Bremerton, Washington is the longest-running Armed Forces Day parade in the United States.[1][a]

Established in 1948 to honor John D. Hawk, the Armed Forces Day Parade is part of the Bremerton Armed Forces Day Festival and is held on the third Saturday in May. As of 2018, it had an average annual attendance of between 25,000 and 40,000 spectators and participants.[3][4][5] Notable former grand marshals of the parade include Nora W. Tyson.[3]

The 2020 parade was postponed from its traditional date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[6]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Torrance, California claims the longest-running Armed Forces Day parade in the United States sponsored by a municipality; Bremerton's is organized by the local chamber of commerce.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Short, Heather (May 18, 2017). "Armed Forces Day celebrations in Bremerton". Weekly Volcano. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  2. ^ Green, Nick (May 20, 2017). "Torrance gives military warm embrace at Armed Forces Day Parade". Daily Breeze. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Kelly, Leslie (May 19, 2017). "Armed Forces Day Parade set for Saturday, May 20". Bainbridge Island Review. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  4. ^ "71st Annual Armed Forces Day Parade". bremertonwa.gov. City of Bremerton. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  5. ^ Shuey, Tyler (May 20, 2019). "2019 Armed Forces Day Parade Continues its Tradition". Kitsap Daily News. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  6. ^ Vosler, Christian (April 3, 2020). "Bremerton's Armed Forces Day Parade postponed amid coronavirus". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved July 7, 2020.