When the 81st annual Independence Day parade steps off at 10 a.m., Monday, July 4, American Legion Post 225 officials hope a contingent of veterans will lead the way.

Post 225 is again issuing a call to all veterans ó those on active duty and in reserve units ó to form a marching unit for this yearís parade. Last summer a contingent of vets, many fresh from duty in the Gulf War, marched the route to loud applause.

Forest Lakeís Independence Day celebration, an annual event sponsored by Post 225, will take place over four days from Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4. The parade is always a highlight.

The 2005 celebration theme is ìA Proud Past and a Promising Future.î

With many U.S. troops serving out of the country in war zones Iraq and Afghanistan, Post 225 is encouraging all area veterans to take part in the parade.

ìWe want to take this opportunity to salute our veterans and what better way than in a parade,î said Post 225 Commander Ron Weiss.

The Legion is also extending an invitation to all World War II veterans to join in the parade. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the war The Legion will provide a parade unit for all W.W. II veterans who wish to join the parade. An invitation has also been extended to the families of veterans who will be treated to their own parade unit.

Veterans who would like to take part in the parade on July 4th are asked to meet at Post 225, 355 W. Broadway by 9 a.m. to form their units. For more information, call Bob Flaherty at 651-464-6821 or Patty Black at 651-429-3830 to assist with scheduling.

Parade details

Highlights of the 2005 celebration include the 10 a.m. parade on Monday, July 4, rain or shine, and the 10 p.m. fireworks over First Lake to conclude the major events of the day. Some 175 units are expected this year, according to Black.

The parade will be led by grand marshal Louie Flermoen, a longtime Post 225 volunteer, and honorary grand marshal Bob Johnson, a longtime Forest Lake resident and retired business owner. Johnson owned a sporting goods store under his name and had many years of work with a local insurance agency.

The parade will follow its traditional route along W. Broadway Ave. and Lake Street (US-61) where prime viewing spots can be found. Parade watchers are asked to arrive early to find good viewing locations.

Bands expected on July 4th include the combined Forest Lake Junior High School Marching Band, the Chisago Lakes High School Marching Band from Lindstrom and Minnesota Brass.

A fly-over featuring vintage war planes will help start the parade at 10 a.m. The fly-over is sponsored by the Forest Lake Area Athletic Association.

A new event this year is a kiddie parade, planned at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 3 on NW Centennial Drive from the Town Square Building parking lot to the Forest Lake City Hall parking lot. Area children are invited to take part and salute the Independence Day event. For registration information, call Black at 651-429-3830.

The Legion facility and parking lots will serve as the setting for four days of tent bingo and the rides and attractions of Magelís Midway.

Food vendors and nightly dance music with no cover charge will also be featured inside Post 225.

Buttons carrying the 2005 theme are now on sale for $1 at Post 225. Proceeds are used to help sponsor the annual celebration.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605