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Threat of Rain Doesn’t Deter Memorial Day Parade Marchers

June 1, 2026

Parade Grand Marshal Robert Sherman waves from his car driving in a parade. — Parade Grand Marshal Robert Sherman. Photo by Joe Phalon.

The Givens-Belet American Legion Memorial Day parade wasn’t favored with bright blue skies and sunshine, but any heavy rain steered clear of the events. The somber atmosphere, in fact, seemed all the more appropriate for remembrance of those who gave all defending American freedoms.

Beginning with a ceremony at Cedar Ridge Cemetery, the parade wound north on Route 94 to Foot Bridge Park, where a more traditional welcome to summer vibe prevailed but where participants still remembered the meaning of the day.

A 5-ton wrecker truck riding in the Memorial Day parade — This 5-ton wrecker won first place in the Memorial Day Parade. The M-35 deuce-and-a half behind took honorable mention. Photo by Joe Phalon.

The grand marshal of the 2026 parade was Blairstown resident Robert Sherman. Known as “Bob” to all who count him as a friend, Sherman was born in Goshen, New York, on June 27, 1935. Just as the Great Depression was easing, Sherman’s father died, leaving him “the man of the house” at age 7.

He worked various jobs to support his family but still managed to graduate Chester, New York, High School in 1953. He took a job at nearby Stewart Air Field, where he developed an interest in the military. Sherman joined the U.S. Army, training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He served in the Army-AUS Armor Division in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. He re-enlisted in 1959, ending his military career 1963 with the 1st Battalion, 1st Infantry, at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Marchers in uniform in a Memorial Day parade — Despite the threat of rain, the Givens-Belet American Legion Memorial Day parade stepped off as usual. Photo by Joe Phalon.

With his wife, Dian, Sherman moved to Blairstown in 1979, where he served in the Blairstown Rotary, Lions Club, American Legion Post 258 and as an EMT with the Blairstown Ambulance Corps.

Following Sherman in the parade were many groups and organizations from the North Warren area.

Award winners included:

Veteran Marching Unit

* 1st Place: Givens-Belet Post 258

Civic Marching Unit

* 1st Place: Boy Scouts Troop 140

* Honorable Mention: Blue Star Moms

Youth Marching Unit

* 1st Place: Boy Scouts Troop 140

* Honorable Mention: Cub Scouts

Fire Fighting Apparatus—In Service

* 1st Place: Mt. Lake Engine *

* Honorable Mention: Green Twp.

Engine Ambulance and Rescue Vehicle—In Service

* 1st Place: Knowlton 41-73

* Honorable Mention: Knowlton 41-52

Civic Unit Float

* 1st Place: Hope Moravian Grange Red Wagon

* Honorable Mention: Rotary Yellow Duck

Youth Unit Float

* 1st Place: Blairstown Football w/ mascots

* Honorable Mention: N. Warren Little League

Military Vehicle

* 1st Place: 5-Ton Wrecker

* Honorable Mention: M-35 Deuce and a Half

Antique Automobile/Truck

* 1st Place: Yellow Monte Carlo 9-11 Tribute

* Honorable Mention: Chevelle SS

Antique Tractor

* 1st Place: Allis Chalmers WC 1939

* Honorable Mention: 2012 Massey Ferguson 1015

Specialty Vehicle

* 1st Place: Forest Fire Brush Truck A-3

* Honorable Mention: Small John Deere tractor

Joe Phalon, Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Joe brings decades of journalism experience to the Ridge View Echo, covering everything from local school boards to the U.S. Supreme Court. A former National Law Journal editor and Columbia Law School press officer, he now enjoys telling community stories in Blairstown, where he lives with his wife, Rose, and their two dachshunds.