The RACDC, Randolph American Legion and Randolph VFW will host the 2nd annual “Veterans Appreciation Day” Saturday, Aug. 12. Pictured is just one group of United States Military Veterans who participated in last year’s parade. P-J file photo by Deb Everts

RANDOLPH — Final plans are underway for the 2nd annual “Randolph Area Veterans Appreciation Day” that will be held Saturday, Aug. 12, in Randolph. On that day, area residents will have the opportunity to show their pride and gratitude to local United States Military Veterans who have served their country.

Co-organized by the Randolph Area Community Development Corporation (RACDC), Town Supervisor Dale Senn, and Garry and Kathy Root, the parade will begin from Wilson Farms parking lot on Main Street at 11 a.m. The parade route will proceed down Main Street to Bank Street and up Jamestown Street to the Randolph American Legion where lunch will be served to all veterans. Any veteran who has served or who is currently serving is encouraged to participate. All veterans are welcome to march or, if necessary, ride in the parade.

Line up for parade units and marchers is at 10 a.m. at the Wilson Farms parking lot, known as the “truck stop.” Marchers will be grouped by wars — starting with World War I, then World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, Gulf War and so on. Marching groups and bands, floats, and community organizations are welcome to participate, however, due to the solemn nature of this day, there will be no fire trucks or emergency vehicles in the parade.

Families with a deceased veteran or those with a veteran currently on active duty who is unable to attend the parade are encouraged to bring an 8 x 10-inch photo, or larger, of their veteran. One family member can proudly carry the picture as they march with other veterans in the parade. Flags will be handed out to everyone along the parade route.

“We had a good turnout last year and we’re hoping for an even better one this year,” said RACDC Director Mary Heyl.

According to Heyl, the idea for a special day to honor area veterans was that of Garry Root and his wife, Kathy, of Randolph. As a Vietnam veteran who served there from Sept. 1968 – Sept. 1969, he suggested the concept to Town Supervisor Dale Senn a couple of years ago. After some thought and planning, the event materialized last year with the first “Randolph Area Veterans Appreciation Day.”

“It’s so important to have these men and women who have served over decades of wars be recognized and appreciated for their sacrifices,” Kathy said.

Veterans need not register, but any veteran who is unable to walk the parade route should call Senn at 397-3316 by Saturday, Aug. 5, so arrangements can be made to ride on a wagon or trailer on that day.

School kids, clubs and other organizations are welcome to participate. If an organization or club wishes to take part in the event, they should contact Senn to let them know they are coming.

In partnership, the Randolph Area Community Development Corporation (RACDC), Randolph American Legion and Randolph Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will host this community event in honor of all veterans. The event is sponsored, in part, by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.