Chicora's Memorial Day event will be special this year, and not just because it is making up for lost time.

The ceremony will include all of the usual festivities, such as a parade and recognition of local veterans, but there will also be a recognition of a Vietnam veteran from Chicora, according to Fred Callihan, chaplain for the Chicora American Legion.

“Every Memorial Day, we do have a ceremony, but we don't go to this extent,” he said.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Main Street, and will end by the American Legion post about 45 minutes later, where the legion members will gather.

Callihan said the parade itself normally has about 40 entries, consisting of personal vehicles, public safety vehicles and some special floats.

“If we have a nice day, we'll have a very nice crowd,” Callihan said. “There will probably be 30 to 40 parade entries: five fire trucks and some from the surrounding area. I'm anticipating about four floats and two Conestoga wagons with horses.”

The ensuing ceremony will include a voice performance of the national anthem and a performance by Karns City High School's band.

Members of the American Legion will recognize local veterans, both living and deceased, and recognize two local eighth-grade students. Callihan said members of the Loyal Order of Moose will be leading some of the procedures at the ceremony.

The keynote speaker this year is John F. Sattler, a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant general, who will honor a local Vietnam veteran for his service.

Callihan said he hopes to see the whole Chicora community attend the parade and festivities to both observe the festivities and pay tribute to people who served and lost their lives.

“Everybody in this whole area looks forward to it,” Callihan said. “We had to cancel it last year, so they're excited to have it again this year.”

Correction: The rank of John F. Sattler is incorrect. Sattler is a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant general.