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The 68th Annual Appleton Flag Day Parade will be held on June 9, 2018, and will be a tribute to the U.S. Army.
• Date: Saturday, June 9, 2018• Time: 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This year’s parade will feature a theme “Stars & Stripes Forever” to celebrate our community, family traditions and respect for Old Glory. The Parade will feature military units and military marching bands from throughout the nation — and will include about 100 total units. Participants include veterans' organizations, scout troops, patriotic floats, decorated vehicles, walking units, along with multiple marching bands.
This year's Flag Day Parade will
use the traditional staging area
and route. For details and a map,
see the Route page.
Parade Grand Marshal
Each year the City of Appleton Flag Day Parade’s Grand Marshal is the American Flag. "Old Glory" rides in the Parade's lead vehicle to kickoff the oldest Flag Day Parade in the nation.
In 1949 the Appleton Elks Club made the decision to honor the U.S. Flag with a community parade. The Elks, many of whom were WWII veterans, wanted each citizen to be proud to live in the United States of America and to appreciate their freedom. That same year, an Act of Congress signed by President Truman officially recognized June 14th as National Flag Day. The first Flag Day Parade in Appleton was held in 1950.
Escorting the U.S. Flag
This year's Escort to the U.S. Flag in the Parade Grand Marshal Jeep will be posted here with a photo and biography when the selection has been made.
Honorary Parade Marshal
Major General Patrick J. Reinert was selected to become the 88th Readiness Division Commanding General on 4 December 2015. He began his military career as a ROTC scholarship cadet at Iowa State University in 1979. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
As a distinguished military graduate, Major General Reinert was commissioned in1983 as a military intelligence officer. He also holds a Law degree from the University of Iowa.
Major General Reinert's awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Commendation Medal (with silver Oak Leaf Cluster); Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Overseas Ribbon, and the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (with numeral 8 device). In 2009, Major General Reinert was awarded the Master Military Justice Practitioner additional skill identifier.
Major General Reinert's assignments as a General Officer include Chief Judge (IMA) of the Army Court of Criminal Appeals; Commanding General, US Army Reserve Legal Command; Commander NATO Rule of Law Support Mission-Afghanistan/Rule of Law Field Force-Afghanistan; Deputy Commander, Combined, Joint InterAgency Task Force 435; Commander, CJIATF 435; and Special Assistant to the Chief of Army Reserve.
In civilian capacity, Major General Reinert is an Assistant United States Attorney in Iowa. He married Maria Reinert in 1983. They have three sons, Alex, Noah, and Teddy, two daughters, Lily and Sophie, daughter-in-law, Bree, and granddaughter, Ali. They reside in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Featured Groups...
More groups will be added here when the selections are made. We also have a Featured Groups page which will provide additional information as the parade lineup develops.
Note: Confirmations by military groups may be delayed or changed by the possibility of their units being assigned to developing situations.
The 484th Army Band of Milwaukee
The 484th Army Band will perform in the 2018 Appleton Flag Day Parade. Army Bands provide music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in our soldiers the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad.
2D Marine Aircraft Wing Band
THE 2D MARINE AWB, based in Cherry Point, North Carolina, travels more than 50,000 miles annually carrying on a long-standing tradition of excellence and service to both Corps and Country. With an authorized strength of one officer and 50 enlisted Marines, the ensemble promises an exciting, versatile performance that the entire family will enjoy. The band has an extensive repertoire — familiar marches, patriotic favorites, jazz, and popular contemporary music.
Before The Parade Begins...
Pre-Parade Concert
The Parade will be preceded by a patriotic concert at Houdini Plaza at 121 W. College Ave. in Downtown Appleton. Concert starts at Noon on Saturday. A photo and description of the performers will appear here when the selections are finalized.
Free U.S. flags
U.S. flags will be handed out along the Parade route about one hour before the Parade begins. This project is a cooperative effort of the following organizations.
Attend the Post Parade Party...
The Parade will be followed by the annual Post Flag Day Parade Party starting at 5 p.m.. It is held at American Legion Post No. 38, 3220 W. College Avenue, Appleton.
Performers will include the 484th Army Band, Milwaukee, WI and Marty's Goldenaires Senior Drum & Bugle Corps, Bessemer, MI. Others will be posted as confirmed.
TV Coverage...
WFRV‑TV Local 5 will air the Parade twice. Once on the night of its occurence, Saturday June 9th at 10:35 p.m. And again on the following Sunday, June 17th at 11 a.m.
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Photo credits...
Photos of the Appleton Flag Day Parade are courtesy of Bill Siebers and Jeff Lindsay