Vet parade canceled due to virus
For the first time in recent memory, the annual Veterans Day Parade will not be held in Butler.
John Cyprian, the county director of Veterans Services, said he could not get a permit from the state Department of Transportation for the event because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The PennDOT permit is required because Main Street is a state-owned road, as are Jefferson and Cunningham streets, which the parade would cross were it held on Main Street.
“Everyone would be outside,” Cyprian said. “It's heartbreaking.”
He said in addition to the lack of a permit, all bands and other usual entrants in parades of the past have canceled because of the virus.
“It's the same as the Memorial Day Parade,” Cyprian said.
He said city officials even ascertained the extra insurance required to have a parade during the pandemic and provided special language PennDOT required for the permit, but it was ultimately denied.
“Even the individual (at PennDOT) I had to call for the permit, even he is supporting us, but his hands are tied,” Cyprian said.
Kate Shuler, commander at American Legion Post 117 in Butler, said veterans fought to maintain liberty for Americans, which she feels has been reduced in the pandemic's mask mandate and social distancing.
“It's nice to have a parade to honor our veterans because they are taking everything else away from us,” Shuler said.
She feels particularly bad for older veterans who enjoyed the parade.
“It gave them a reason to come out and hang out with other veterans and tell stories,” Shuler said.
All veterans are welcome to join the Legion to enjoy camaraderie with their brothers and sisters in arms, she said.
“We will still be honoring the veterans at the Legion for sure,” Shuler said. “They can't take that away.”
Jeff Gregg, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1971 to 1975, said he has enjoyed the annual Veterans Day Parade over the years.
“I've attended to honor our veterans,” Gregg said. “We're still here.”
He feels it is unfair for PennDOT to deny the permit for the parade.
“We can have (thousands) of people at a rally, but we can't have 1,000 people standing along the street in a mask?” Gregg said.
He hopes the Veterans Day Parade will go on next year and for many years after that.
“The parade shows support for the military,” Gregg said.
Cyprian is extremely saddened that both the Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades had to be canceled.
“It's kind of like we are forgetting what the veterans have done for this country,” Cyprian said.
A ceremony marking the Armistice that ended World War I will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Diamond Park.
The public is welcome to attend that ceremony, Cyprian said.
