Kris Paranto “Tanto” – former Army Ranger and part of Benghazi security team featured in the movie “13 Hours” – will be the parade grand marshal and guest speaker at Princeton’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Dedication Ceremony., The parade will start on Nassau Street at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 27, followed at 11 a.m. by the dedication ceremony at Princeton Monument Hall (former Borough Hall)., The parade features veterans’ groups, marching bands, civic and youth groups, all marching to honor those who have died in military service to their country., All current active duty or veteran service men and women throughout Central Jersey are encouraged to walk in the parade. At the conclusion of the event, residents are encouraged to continue their Memorial Day commemoration by participating in Princeton Battlefield Society events:, Living History programs (drills and talks) from noon throughout the afternoon at the Princeton Battlefield., Lecture at 6 p.m. about Revolutionary Princeton at the Battle Monument., The Memorial Day Parade will feature nearly three dozen participating groups are: Red Knights Motor Cycle Club; Princeton First Aid & Rescue; Princeton Fire Departments and Auxiliaries; Princeton Police and Color Guard; American Legion Post 76; Veterans and Assorted Military Vehicles; MacGregor Pipe Band; Government Officials and Dignitaries; Knights of Columbus (Princeton Council); St. Paul’s School; Princeton Girl Choir; Patriotic Bicycle Brigade; NJ USA Ambassador Pageant; South Brunswick Girls Scout Troop; Colonial Musketeers Fife & Drum Corps; St. Pauls’ School Cub Scout Pack 1880; Trenton Central High School JROTC; Burlington City HS “Blue Devils” Band; Little League / Girls Softball; 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment; Princeton Cub Scout Pack 43; Princeton Boy Scout Troop 43; Hightstown HS “Rams” Band; Princeton Girl Scouts of Southern and Central Jersey; Sunshine Foundation “Sunshine Express., The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at Princeton Avenue and Nassau Street and then heads down Nassau Street to Princeton Monument Plaza, where the ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Small American flags will be distributed – for free – to children along the parade route., The parade is financed by the Spirit of Princeton, a charitable non-profit group of local residents dedicated to bringing the community together through a variety of civic events, such as the Memorial Day Parade, Flag Day Ceremony, and the Veterans’ Day Ceremony. Donations to Spirit of Princeton are encouraged to ensure the future of these events. See the website for information on how you can “Get into the Spirit” by donating., The parade and ceremony will take place rain or shine. No political campaigning is allowed in the parade, but local officials will be recognized along the parade route. Participating veterans can park at Monument Hall. Shuttle service is available from Monument Hall to the parade start on Princeton Avenue., For further information about the Parade or any of the associated activities, please call: 609-430-0144 or check website: http://www.spiritofprinceton.org.
