This group led the parade. The 82nd Airborne Division has a special place in the hearts of Grand Island residents. That is because, during World War II, a young Islander named Charles DeGlopper was drafted. He became a glider pilot with the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, and he served in North Africa prior to being sent to England to prepare for D-Day. On June 9th, 1944, his group (C Company, first battallion) was separated from the rest of the regiment. He sent his group on, and he stood and fired at the Germans during very heavy fighting. Although he was killed in action, the rest of his group was able to get away and was able to secure a strategic bridge (the La Fiere bridge) over the Merderet River. For his sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He is also remembered and honored with a memorial in Sainte-Mere-Eglise in Normandy, France.I love horses, and here are members of the Erie County Sheriffs Department Mounted Division!.This gentleman is probably the happiest Marine I have ever seen. Sweet and kind, too. He actually stepped out of the parade for a moment to greet me with a hug. For me, he set a tone of happiness. The warm, sunny weather certainly helped, as well.The parade had something for everyone, from the serious to the silly. Here are some fashionable attired firefighters. The hats definitely make the fashion statement complete.Very cool old fire truck on parade (along with the firefighters in their silly fashion statements).Lions Club members joyfully marching. They have a sister club in St. Catharines, Ontario, so they carry both the U.S. and the Canadian flags side by side.One of the more famous characters in the parade is the Chicken Man from St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church, who is an advertisement for the church’s annual chicken barbecue, scheduled for July 12.Dancers on parade!Bagpipes and drums!!!!
I hope that you enjoyed the sample of the 200 or so photos that I took at the parade! It was a fun day and it was nice to have a community gather to celebrate together. Everyone I talked to (or hugged) seemed happy and full of the spirit of celebration together. See you tomorrow with… haha, you’ll see it tomorrow!
Recently, a documentary was made about the life and death of Charles DeGlopper. I had written articles about him for the local newspaper, and I interviewed one of Charles DeGlopper’s boyhood friends in 2022. He was 101 years old, and he told me about growing up with Charles DeGlopper, as well as about his own experiences in World War II. His memory of that time was really vivid and he made me feel like I was with him for the journey. He was incredible.
I love all your photos. Sounds like you had a wonderful time.
Thank you, Brenda!
What a fun parade, I love bagpipes and drums. It was also great to learn about Charles DeGlopper.
Thank you, Martha!
You definitely got some great pictures that really captured the day – great for the family, and great weather too!! Thank you for sharing.🤩
Thank you so much!!!
You’re photos really capture the day well! It’s great that Charles DeGlopper is still remembered 82 years later.
Recently, a documentary was made about the life and death of Charles DeGlopper. I had written articles about him for the local newspaper, and I interviewed one of Charles DeGlopper’s boyhood friends in 2022. He was 101 years old, and he told me about growing up with Charles DeGlopper, as well as about his own experiences in World War II. His memory of that time was really vivid and he made me feel like I was with him for the journey. He was incredible.