On May 27, 2019, twelve Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) members served as city parade marshals for the City of Annapolis’ Memorial Day Parade.
This year’s parade was a great success with zero incidents. The event earned praise from both city officials and parade coordinators.
AAACERT welcomes this opportunity to honor those who have given their lives in defense of our country. Our thoughts are with them and their Gold Star families.
What do parade marshals do?
As parade marshals, AAACERT members serve as the city’s eyes and ears. They help authorities to keep the event safe by ensuring crowds stay clear of the parade elements. In addition, they guide participants to engage safely. And at parades such as this one, sponsored by the City of Annapolis, AAACERT is responsible for line-up, safety inspections, and accompanying the parade participants.
Not content to be mere safety spotters, many AAACERT members also sported first aid kits, standing ready to step in with immediate assistance if needed.
Parades serve as excellent opportunities for AAACERT members to practice their crowd management, emergency communication, and incident response training. AAACERT is the only group that is certified by the City of Annapolis to work as parade marshals.
What happens at the parade?
Annapolis holds one of the largest Memorial Day Parades in Maryland. Participants include military and local groups, along with color guards, marching bands, veterans, local officials, and motorcades. Traditionally, the parade starts at Amos Garrett Boulevard and West Street. The parade proceeds down West Street to Church Circle, then down Main Street to City Dock. After the parade, the city holds a wreath-laying ceremony at Susan Campbell Park.
The annual Memorial Day Parade represents an opportunity to pay our respects to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Photo: U.S. Flag Stand on National Heroes Cemetery (Credit: Jenna Hamra on Pexels)