Dalton to recognize Memorial Day with vehicle-only parade

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DGKN staff report

DALTON The Memorial Day parade will continue in Dalton this year. Like other events and activities during the novel coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 tradition will look different and participants will have a different set of guidelines to follow. The biggest difference is no one will be walking in the parade and there will be no ceremony. But vehicles are welcome to participate in the parade and local Boy Scouts will mark graves with flags at Dalton Cemetery.

Anyone who is interested in driving in the parade can meet at Dalton High School before 10 a.m. Monday, according to Mayor Dennis Finley. Everyone will need to stay in their vehicles to allow for social distancing. The parade route begins at the high school and proceeds south on Mill Street and east on Schultz until reaching Main Street. The procession will then head west on Main Street and follow state Route 94 and turn right at the light at state Route 94 and continue down Church past the Dalton Elementary & Middle School. Vehicles that need to head back to the village can take Ruby Road.

Local boy scouts are doing what they can to make sure men and women who fought and died for their country are honored.

For many years, Boy Scout Pack 922 and Troop 922 along with their sponsor, Dalton Presbyterian Church, and Dalton High School Marching Band director Randy Kaserman have kept the Memorial Day parade and service going, according to information provided by Lisa Elett on behalf of the church and scouts.

Because of the current situation and restrictions this year, Dalton will not have its annual observance at Dalton Cemetery “to remember the men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” according to Elett, who is the clerk of session and a Pack Committee member.

“We will be making sure that flags are placed on the graves in Dalton Cemetery and on Memorial Day the flag will be lowered, the wreath will be placed and – weather permitting – we will set up a fallen comrade table,” Elett continued. “We have so appreciated everyone who comes to the service and we hope this year that you will take some time to reflect on what the day is all about.”