When: Saturday, May 25, parade leaves fairgrounds at 10:00a.m.
What To See: veterans' groups, drum corps, marching bands, police cars, fire trucks, motorcycles, floats, antique cars, local businesses, sports teams, service organizations, radio stations, tractors, and more!
Parade Route: Route 2A from St. James Church to 5 Corners, up Pearl Street, to main entrance at Champlain Valley Exposition
What To Bring: comfortable seating.
Road Closures: begin at 9a.m. on the parade route. Please plan accordingly. Walking/biking to your viewing location is highly encouraged if possible.
Pre-Parade Program: Join us at Veterans Memorial Park at the 5 Corners for a pre-parade program starting at 9:30a.m. featuring music, Taps, a wreath laying ceremony, recognition of the Grand Marshals, and reflections on Memorial Day.
Grand Marshals:
Sergeant First Class Lynn Shepard, United States Army
In 1967, Lynn joined the US Army. He went to training in 1968 and continued his service in the US Army until 2008. During that time, Lynn spent six years on active duty and 34 years working for the Vermont Army Guard.
After training in Fort Dix, New Jersey, Lynn went to Vietnam, where he would serve for one year. Lynn's unit was responsible for direct support of the 1st Cavalry Division. In his final week in Vietnam, Lynn's unit gave support at Hill 937, better known as Hamburger Hill. After arriving home, Lynn went to the Guard headquarters in artillery for seven years and then aviation for 27 years. He retired in 2008.
In 1986, Lynn started VFW Post 6689 in Essex Junction and was elected their first Post Commander. In 2000, Lynn was the first from Post 6689 to serve as Vermont State Commander of the VFW. He has also held several VFW national posts and has been an active supporter of Josh's House for veterans. He has been married to his wife Ann for 56 years and has two daughters, one son, and six grandchildren. Lynn has dedicated his entire career to military service and our Country, as well as promoting and supporting veterans at home. Lynn Shepard is a well-deserved designee as one of this year's Grand Marshals.
Corporal Mal Spencer, United States Marine Corp
In 1965, Mal enlisted in the Marines for two years of active duty. He went to Paris Island, South Carolina, for bootcamp and to radio school at Camp Lajeune in North Carolina. After getting bored of training, and with just nine months left on active duty, Mal volunteered to go to Vietnam.
Mal spent eight months in Vietnam in the thick of battle as a field radio operator. His unit provided security for marines who were building a road. Mal was eventually hit by a mortar fragment in an ambush. As such, he was awarded the Purple Heart, a military decoration awarded to service members wounded or killed in action.
After arriving home, Mal went to school at UVM to be a PE teacher, did his student teaching at ADL, and would stay there the next 36 years as a middle school PE teacher. He coached cross country, track & field, and boys gymnastics at ADL. He is a member of the St. Lawrence Church Choir, and still teaches square dancing today.
Mal has lived to Essex since 1970. He has been married to his wife Gail for 55 years and has one son, one daughter, and one grandchild. Mal voluntarily went to Vietnam in service of our Country. Upon his return, he contributed for more than three decades to the growth and learning of middle schoolers in our community. Mal Spencer has honorably served his country, community, and family, and for that we recognize him.
Sergeant (E5) Bill Bickford, Sr., United States Army
In 1949, Bill joined the Army National Guard for a year and then was called to active duty during the Korean Conflict. He was sent for training to Camp Pickett in Virginia and to leadership school in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. Bill was then sent to Officer Candidate Artillery School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. While there the military announced that all non-combat personnel, which included Bill, were able to go home.
After arriving home, Bill earned his bachelor's degree from UVM and master's in economics. He served as the branch manager at Merchants Bank (now Community Bank) and Howard Bank (now TD Bank), before going to Howard's corporate office in Burlington. Bill was a member of Essex Rotary for more than 10 years and served as the President of the Rotary Club. He has been an active member of the First Congregational Church in Essex for 55 years.
Bill lived in Essex for 57 years with his wife of 71 years, Arlene. They have two sons, one daughter, seven plus grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Bill is humble about his service in the Army. While he was not deployed, he was trained, educated, and prepared to defend our nation, and that is the selfless service and sacrifice that we honor today. Additionally, we recognize Bill's commitment to his work, community, church, wife, and family.
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