Butler Memorial Day parade honors the fallen

May 25, 2026 Last Updated: May 25, 2026 07:33 PM Local News

Parade attendees line the sidewalks as the Butler Memorial Day parade makes its way down Main Street on Monday, May 25, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

When the Butler Memorial Day parade kicked off Monday morning at 10:40 a.m., the sky was cloudy and gray. But the throng of attendees was energetic.

Onlookers had assembled, some setting up camp chairs and others standing, on both sides of Main Street.

Some umbrellas were to be spotted as well, but did not ultimately have to be drawn. Halfway through the parade, the sun shone forth.

Color guards led the parade, followed closely by James McMullen, Butler County’s Veteran of the Year.

Many veterans participated and the show included representatives from the U.S. Marines, the Air Force, the Navy, the Disabled American Veterans, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Cub Scouts, the Salvation Army and the Meridian Veterans Club. Also taking part in the procession were members of the police and fire departments. Vehicles ranged from bikes to vintage cars and jeeps. The Butler High School Golden Tornado Marching Band performed.

After the parade, which was organized by Butler County Veterans Services, some of the crowd gathered at Diamond Park for a ceremony.

James McMullen, Butler County's veteran of the year, walks in the Butler Memorial Day parade while wear a replica of the First Continental Marines' uniform on Monday, May 25, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

McMullen’s tribute

In his address, McMullen said, while parades and ceremonies are commonly performed across the country to mourn soldiers who died while serving, there is a type of tribute that is often overlooked: poetry.

“I can’t begin to count the number of poems that have been written and recited in honor of Memorial Day,” McMullen said.

Having participated in Memorial Day parades since he was 8-years-old, especially as a percussionist, he said he is familiar with the importance of rhythm for the success of a parade.

“The drum line is critical,” said McMullen. “That’s what makes the parade go or stop.”

Expressing his appreciation for rhythm in poetry, he performed “Rouge Bouquet” by Alfred J. Kilmer — better known as Joyce Kilmer — a former corporal in the U.S. Army.

Kilmer was deployed to France in 1917 and was killed by a sniper's bullet at the Second Battle of the Marne in 1918 at the age of 31.

McMullen described the poem’s lyrics as “somewhat haunting,” and noted at some points, the lyrics match the rhythm of “Taps.”

LeRoy Bunyan leads the program to commemorate Memorial Day at Diamond Park in Butler after the parade on Monday, May 25, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

‘Not a day of celebration’

LeRoy Bunyan, master of ceremonies, reminded the crowd that Memorial Day is a day of sacrifice and mourning, not one of celebration.

“Today is the most expensive holiday,” said Bunyan. “We honor the memories of those that gave their lives in the service of their country.”

There were two readings at the ceremony: General John A. Logan's General Orders No. 11, known as Decoration Day, read by Warren Mitchell; and Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, read by Al Worsley.

At the ceremony, there was a table set up in remembrance of POW and MIA, or prisoners of war and those missing in action.

The tablecloth was white to symbolize pure intentions in responding to the call to arms. The single rose in the vase signified the blood shed and sacrifices made. A slice of lemon was placed on the plate as a reminder of their bitter fate. Salt was sprinkled on the plate as a reminder of the countless falling tears of waiting families. The glass was inverted and the chair remained empty. A candle was placed to symbolize hope. Lastly, an American flag adorned the set.

The remarks and tribute was followed by the placing of the wreath, a benediction from Warren Mitchell, a rifle salute and the playing of “Taps.”

Parade attendees line the sidewalks as the Butler Memorial Day parade makes its way down Main Street on Monday, May 25, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Parad attendees line the sidewalks as the Butler Memorial Day parade makes its way down Main Street on Monday, May 25, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Parade attendees line the sidewalks as the Butler Memorial Day parade makes its way down Main Street on Monday, May 25, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Parade attendees line the sidewalks as the Butler Memorial Day parade makes its way down Main Street on Monday, May 25, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Parade attendees line the sidewalks as the Butler Memorial Day parade makes its way down Main Street on Monday, May 25, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Parade attendees line the sidewalks as the Butler Memorial Day parade makes its way down Main Street on Monday, May 25, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown