Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder and the Centralia Veteran Affairs Committee have announced Gerald ‘Jim’ Murphy will be the Grand Marshal for the 4th of July Veterans Parade.
The parade is scheduled for Sunday, July 4th, at two pm with entries lining up at Chestnut and Broadway and proceeding to Fairview Park.
Murphy joined the Marines at the age of 17 and served ten months in the Recon Division before he was wounded in combat in the Vietnam War. He received a Purple Heart, a Combat award, two Vietnam Medals, and a National Defense award for his service to our country.
Murphy is in his fourth term as Commander of the Centralia VFW Post 2055 and is also belongs to the American Legion and is on the city’s Veteran Affairs Committee. He has also served on the ABATE Christmas for Kids committee.
Murphy is honored to be recognized as Grand Marshal of the Parade.
“I didn’t think anything like that would happen to me. I know the Mayor and Butchie [Butch Mathus]. I really appreciate the honor.”
Murphy as in past years once again was at the forefront of placing the US flags along Centralia streets for Memorial Day and Fourth of July.
Entries are still being sought for the parade. You may contact Parade Chair Butch Mathus at 533-5602, obtain an entry from Centralia City Hall or download one from the city of Centralia website at cityofcentralia.org.
