Annual Akwesasne Memorial Day Parade

On Sunday, May 26th, people gathered on the sides of 37 to watch the Annual Memorial Day Parade. The event began with a prayer and casting the wreaths into the St. Regis River. Following that three shots were fired into the air. The parade began at the eastern side of the bridge in Hogansburg and proceeded just past the American Legion. A group of bikers led the procession beginning on the western side of the bridge.

The parade continued down 37 with the American Legion Post at the fore, followed by the Color guard, bagpipe and drummers, The American Legion parade float, and the Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department.

Twin Leaf’s float followed the fireman and they tossed candy to all the kids watching. The Jr. B Indians were next, and then the St. Regis Mohawk School followed up playing their way down the road.

Next was the Epilepsy Support Group and Kahehti’:io float. The Akwesasne Fancy Dancers were next followed by the classic cars, and then the Akwesasne Family Wellness Program float – In honor of all the missing and murdered men, women, and children.

Next up were The Akwesasne Cancer Support Group, the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino and Resort, Fight to be Drug Free, and the Mohawk International Raceway floats. Continuing on, The Boy Scouts, the Akwesasne Attack, and Ironworkers local 440, and the Akwesasne Coalition for Community Empowerment which had a whole lot of people dressed as superheroes and their sign read “Veterans are our Heroes.”

Rounding out the parade procession was “The King” Tom Stacy and sitting on a throne of cans, and the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club Van. Tom could be heard yelling, “All hail the king.”

After the parade, everyone gathered at the Legion where once again a prayer was said for our fallen and surviving veterans. Three wreaths were laid at the foot of the monument and the flags were lowered, raised and brought to half-staff.

After the ceremony, the community was invited in for a BBQ lunch on the back patio and entertainment was provided by the Country Rollers and Andy White.