The Memorial Day parade in Bradford –– and other veteran-related activities –– will continue in Bradford after a local developer committed to donate about $6,000 over the next five years.
Earlier this year, VFW Post 212 and American Legion Post 108 announced plans to stop sponsoring the decades-old popular parade, citing rising costs that included city permit fees and paying for parade security provided by the CSI (Cross Safe Inc.).
But Bradford native and veteran Greg Ross didn’t want to see the parade end. So, he got to work, and he recently touched base with Ron Peters, commander of VFW Post 212, and Bradford City Mayor Tom Riel.
“I told both of them that I am personally a huge supporter of veterans nationwide and it would be a shame that our veterans groups would not be sponsoring the parades in Bradford or selling Poppies in the city,” he said. “This is a huge loss for the city and the great people of Bradford. We have a great working relationship with the city and the mayor is always open for suggestions.”
Arrangements have been made to donate the necessary funds to the VFW Post 212 and the American Legion Post 108 to sponsor the parade and to continue selling the Poppies in the city for the next five years. In addition, fees for using Veterans Square will also be paid for, which includes the Veterans Day ceremony.
“I certainly appreciate Mr. Ross stepping forward. That’s a big relief,” Peters said.
Riel shares the same sentiments, saying that he appreciates the generosity of Ross, who has purchased properties in Bradford and has made –– and continues to make –– improvements to them.
A total of $1,100 is included in the first installment, Peters said. Ross said he plans to give about $6,000 over a five-year period.
Any organization that holds a parade, downtown event or car show or that uses Veterans Square must pay a permit fee. A standard permit fee of $25 covers administrative costs, not including other services, which can include electric and delivery, use and pick up of barricades.
“We are doing this in the memory of a Bradford World War II vet, who received the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest decoration for saving his squad during the Battle of the Bulge,” Ross said. “He was a member of Bradford’s Company K, 28th Infantry Division. He was my hero and my dad, Staff Sergeant Peter N. Ross. We are looking forward in watching the parade next year and years to come.”
In his mind, Riel said he never envisioned a parade or ceremony not happening in downtown Bradford. He said he had no doubt someone would contribute money to continue the veteran-related traditions. He said he has a special place in his heart for vets; his father served in the military, and he said he has friends who have as well.
If the Memorial Day parade had been eliminated, plans had called for the groups to conduct a ceremony at Willow Dale Cemetery the Sunday before Memorial Day, as well as another ceremony at St. Bernard Cemetery on Memorial Day.
Even though the parade is now back on the agenda, Peters said he doesn’t agree with the fact that veterans groups are charged to use downtown Bradford to host an event.
“The price has already been paid for this,” he said, adding military service men and women have lost their lives or they remain disabled after serving their country.
