Lake Chelan honors fallen heroes in 27th annual Memorial Day Parade

CHELAN - The Lake Chelan community came together on Thursday evening, May 23, to pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military. The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce hosted its 27th annual Memorial Day Parade, which featured a diverse array of participants, including marching bands, royalty, non-profit organizations, and local emergency services.

The event commenced with a poignant performance by trumpet players from the Chelan High School Mountain Goat marching band, who played taps to honor the fallen. The Lake Chelan Patriotic Singers, led by Steve Davis, also entertained the crowd with their musical renditions before the parade began.

Parade attendees were treated to a colorful display of patriotism, with participants dressed in red, white, and blue. Dr. Jay Waszkewitz drove his jeep adorned with American flags, while the Chelan Rustlers Saddle Club showcased young riders and their horses, all decked out in the colors of the flag.

Local royalty, including Miss Lake Chelan Chloe Desgroseillier and Princess Eva Marron, as well as representatives from Manson Apple Blossom, Cinco de Mayo, and the Chelan County Fair, waved to the crowd as they made their way through the parade route.

Children in attendance were delighted by the generous amount of candy thrown by parade participants, including young baseball players riding in a boat.

In addition to the Chelan High School Mountain Goat marching band, the Brewster Middle School and Brewster High School bands also showcased their musical talents during the parade.

Memorial Day, observed annually on the last Monday of May, serves as a time to honor and remember those who died while serving in the U.S. military. The Lake Chelan community continued its observance on Monday, May 27, with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6853 holding their first Remembrance Parade to pay homage to the fallen heroes.

The 27th annual Memorial Day Parade in Chelan served as a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices made by the brave men and women in uniform, reinforcing the community's commitment to honoring their memory and ensuring their legacy lives on.