The Grand Marshal has been named for the 13th Annual Greater CentraliaArea Veterans 4th of July Parade next Thursday. 
He’s the Honorable Gerald Wehrheim who served in the U.S. Army.
Parade Chair Butch Mathus made the announcement at Plaza Verde where Wehrheim resides.
“He served as an E4 in the US Army and the committee feels when we pick Grand Marshalls, it doesn’t matter what rank you served, only that you did serve. Gerald has been a long-standing citizen in our community. He just recently received an award for being a 60-year member of the American Legion here in Centralia.”
After the announcement, Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder presented Mathus with a plaque denoting the honor.
Wehrheim thanked the committee for the honor.
“60 years American Legion and got together with the town and it all went well. And I appreciate everything that is going on.”
Wehrheim was surprised with the honor attended by family and fellow residents at Plaza Verde.
The 4th of July parade will step off at one in the afternoon and currently has 34 entries. You can still join the parade by calling Mathus at 618-322-4236 or e-mailing him at butch.mathus@gmail.com. You can also sign up at the registration table at the start of the parade at Broadway and Chestnut beginning at 12:15 pm.
Cake honoring Gerald Wehrheim as Grand Marshal of Veterans 4th of July parade next Thursday in Centralia. Photo by Pat Hodges.
