Military flyover will precede parade in Lyndonville on Fourth
Photo by Tom Rivers: A United States Air Force C-17 flies over Route 63 in Lyndonville just before the noon Fourth of July parade on July 4, 2022.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions are proud to announce that this year’s 51st Lyndonville Lions Club July 4th Parade will open again with a military flyover saluting our area military personnel and veterans.
1st Lieutenant Marjorie Schurr of the 911th Pittsburgh Air Force Reserve Command and Lieutenant Colonel Mike Maringer, Commander of the United States Air Force Reserve 911th airlift wing, recently confirmed that the Lions request for a ceremonial flyover honoring our active local military personnel and veterans will be picked up as a mission.
The flyover will take place in Lyndonville just prior to the commencement of the parade at 11:55 a.m. This is an all-volunteer effort in Pittsburgh where airmen and grounds crew volunteer for these ceremonial missions.
The Lyndonville Lions Club are humbled and thankful for this effort. As in years past, this is predicated on weather permitting conditions and although the United States Air Force prides itself on punctuality their arrival can be delayed by weather.
Provided photo: The late Colonel Rick N. Parsons of Lyndonville will be honored during the Lyndonville parade on July 4.
The Lyndonville Lions earlier announced that they would be honoring posthumously “Home Town Hero,” U.S.A.F. Wing Commander Colonel Rick N. Parsons. His wife, Mrs. Nancy Parsons, will serve as the honorary grand marshal.
Colonel Parsons graduated from the Lyndonville Central High School in 1962 and was the first Lyndonville High School graduate to attend the United States Air Force Academy graduating in 1966. He spent 26 years in service to his country before his retirement from the Air Force in 1994.
Colonel Parsons had a distinguished military career which included two tours of service in Vietnam and was highlighted on February 7, 1991 when Colonel Parsons downed a SU-7/17 enemy jet, making him the only Wing Commander to record an air-to-air kill during Operation Desert Storm.
The Lions have a full slate of activities scheduled for the 4th of July starting at 11:30 a.m. with the chicken barbecue, hot dog stand, and arts and crafts show. The military flyover is at 11:55 a.m. followed by the parade at noon, and music starting at 4 p.m.
The 914th Air Refueling Wing of the U.S.A.F. from Niagara Falls will have an honor guard present on the school grounds at the termination of the parade to honor Colonel Parsons service with a ceremonial flag raising and a local soloist performing the National Anthem. This event is supported by the Tanner Houseman American Legion Post from Lyndonville.
The Lions extend an invitation to all to join in the celebration of this country’s Independence. We would like to encourage all attendees to use waste receptacles and follow a carry-in and carry-out policy to lessen refuse clean up.
The evening will culminate with the fireworks display around 10 p.m. Please note that the concert will start at 4 p.m. with “The One-Man Band” Mr. Mike McCauley behind the Lyndonville School followed by the award-winning Buffalo based “Bleeding Hearts.” They will take the stage at 7 p.m. and play until the commencement of the fireworks scheduled for 10 p.m. at the band stand on the school baseball field.
The Lyndonville Lions Club wish all a happy summer and a glorious July 4th. We ask that you remember that freedom is not free and we ask that you keep our military personnel in your thoughts and prayers during this time. May God continue to bless us and this great nation we live in.
