The Centralia Veterans’ Affairs Committee announced Monday afternoon that Steve Hardy was selected to be the Grand Marshal of this year’s 4th of July Parade. The announcement was made as a surprise to Hardy, who came to the meeting not knowing he’d been nominated. Hardy, a veteran of the Vietnam War, has attended the 4th of July parade every year according to parade chair Butch Mathus.
“We wanted to do this as a surprise for you,” Mathus said. “And we also want to honor you for your dedication, for what you did in your service to our country, and for helping out every year and being a participant in the Veterans’ 4th of July Parade.”
Mathus says that entry forms will be accepted up to the day of the parade for anyone who wants to participate. Anyone interested in entering the parade is welcome to contact Butch Mathus by phone at 322-4238, or by email at butch.mathus@gmail.com. Mathus estimates that around twenty entries have been received so far, and he hopes for over forty by the time of the parade. He emphasized that anyone is welcome to be a part of the parade.
“It doesn’t have to be elaborate. If you can’t build a float, that’s not what it’s all about. What it’s all about is that we’re out here to support our veterans and show our appreciation for what they’ve done,” Mathus said. “It doesn’t cost anything to enter the parade, it’s free. Please, don’t think that if you’re riding a bicycle with an American flag, you can’t be in the parade. Yes, you can. I want everybody there.”
The parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. on July 4 with lineup scheduled for noon.