Monona has one of the biggest Memorial Day parades around. It has more units than you would expect in a Memorial Day parade, which may detract from the solemnity, but it does draw more people to the event.

When I worked in radio I typically had to work holidays so I missed a lot of parades. Due to involvement in scouts and other activities, most of the family has been in the parades at one time or another. When our son was in the Army and stationed overseas, the parade took on added significance.

So this year, as a WVMO volunteer, a new opportunity developed. WVMO volunteers were declared this year’s parade Grand Marshalls. So Monday morning on tied on my hiking boots, slathered up with sunscreen, and headed off to Monona Drive.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.