In its current form, the Saratoga Memorial Day Parade has been around for at least 25 years, though it almost became history until late last week due to a lack of funds and participation.
Milton resident Paul Brisson, 33, wasn’t about to let a part of community pride be lost, though. He stepped up and literally got this year’s parade back on the road with a successful step off at 10 a.m. on Monday, May28. A crowd waving flags turned out for the event and lined Broadway to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The parade has traditionally been held the Wednesday before the Memorial Day holiday, but it was cancelled this year due to a “lack of finances, an aging veteran population and dwindling community participation.” That announcement spurred Brisson to action.
Brisson grew up in Ballston Spa and moved back to the area three years ago after living in Boston. He felt that he “had to do something” when he heard on the news that the parade was not going to be a reality this year. He reached out to Mayor Scott Johnson and gathered city officials and volunteers to get the necessary permits and insurances for the event. Over the next day or so, those aiding him grew to over 700 strong.
“This little situation demonstrated the needs of the community, and people like myself realized it’s something important to do and they stepped up,” said Brisson.
“It’s not just the city of Saratoga, people who live around Saratoga call Saratoga home,” Brisson added. “They have a lot of pride in where they’re from. People around the world know the name Saratoga Springs for a reason. … Everyone I’ve spoken with is very proud of being from here and that’s why they’re doing it.”
Brisson’s passion alone couldn’t finance the success that the parade was, though. For that, there was a boost from Trustco Bank in the amount of $1,500.
“It is impossible to put a number on what the men and women of our armed forces have given us and we are pleased that our support will help revive the parade and ceremonies honoring all who have served and sacrificed. We need to remember those that have lost their lives on our behalf. We are eternally grateful to all vets and their families,” said Robert J. McCormick, president and CEO of Trustco Bank.
Word about the parade spread through Facebook and almost overnight the seeds were planted for a parade stepping off on Memorial Day itself. On Monday, the parade check-in tent was bustling as marchers and participants found their way to the line-up.
Ann Mundy was getting ready for the parade along with members from the Wild Wild West Show. With horses close at hand, she allowed a little space to get into her persona of Adirondack Annie. She said that she and other members of her troupe have been entertaining crowds “for years.”
Esther Marshall of The Wild Wild West Show was excited to take part in the parade.
“It’s great to be here,” she said.
Near the Saratoga Springs City Center, Brisson and many city officials were congregating in the shade before stepping off.
When asked if there was a Grand Marshal, Brisson responded, “There is no Grand Marshal. We’re here for those who aren’t able to be.”
In that spirit, the parade was led by veterans. Tom Herbert from the Ballston Spa Marine Corps Detachment was taking refuge from the sun in the shade of the City Center just before leading the march with his brethren when young Mitchell Madigan of Saratoga Springs approached him. He asked if Herbert had been to war, or if he was a hero.
Herbert, adorned in his dress khakis, simply replied that he was “no hero,” and set off to march.
