Duluth Memorial Day Parade Struggles for Entrants

Parade Has Been Around Since the 1800's

DULUTH, Minn. – The West Duluth Memorial Day parade is a tradition dating back to 1871.  But lately organizers struggle to fill the parade.

“With the busy lifestyle of a lot of these younger couples, maybe they don’t have the time,” said Brenda Haase of the Northland Veterans Service Committee.  “And it’s the Memorial Day weekend, and they don’t want to give up their three days of vacation.”

In fact, the parade’s future was recently in doubt.

“We thought we would not have a parade at all next year,” said Haase.  “It was very close to not having one this year.  I went down and got the parade permit, and when I went back to the committee, they said they were thinking of not having a parade.”

Just two weeks ago, the committee had received only 16 reservations.  That number is up to 42 or 43, close to recent turnouts, but well short of the 99 units a few years ago.

“Even if we could get 5–10 more, it would be great,” said Haase.

Committee members believe interest in the parade is dwindling because kids don’t understand Memorial Day’s meaning.

“They don’t teach it in schools,” said committee member Karin Swor.  “The kids don’t understand what this means, it’s a memory to veterans.”

The solemn meaning behind Memorial Day is why organziers don’t let just anyone in the parade.

“This is a memoriam,” said Swor.  “We don’t let politicians in, we don’t let anyone hand out brochures.”

Committee members say they’ll start planning next year’s parade earlier.  Maybe that will drum up more interest.

Anyone interested in participating in this year’s parade should reach out to the Northland Veterans Service Commitee’s Facebook page, or send an email to northlandveteransservicecom@gmail.com.