Tomorrow we welcome GOTR Vermont back for their annual 5K🏃‍♀️We cannot wait to see all the participants and share in the celebrations and amazing energy that surrounds the Expo for this event! 🎉 Please note that there will be increased traffic on Pearl Street between 8am-10am and again from 12pm-1pm. (fb)

From our friends at Essex Junction Recreation and Parks: Essex Memorial Day Parade Details When: Saturday, May 24, parade leaves fairgrounds at 10:00a.m. Parade Route: Route 2A from St. James Church to 5 Corners, up Pearl Street, to main entrance at Champlain Valley Exposition. Weather Dependent: Nope; all systems are a go! What To See: veterans' groups, drum corps, marching bands, police cars, fire trucks, motorcycles, floats, antique cars, local businesses, sports teams, service organizations, radio stations, tractors, and more! What To Bring: gloves, hats, layers, raincoats, chairs, umbrellas, and a positive outlook as we honor those who have sacrificed their lives. Road Closures: begin at 9a.m. on the parade route. Please plan accordingly. Walking/biking to your viewing location is highly encouraged if possible. Pre-Parade Program: Join us at Veterans Memorial Park at the 5 Corners for a pre-parade program starting at 9:30a.m. featuring music, “taps,” a wreath laying ceremony, recognition of the Grand Marshals, and reflections on Memorial Day. Parade Grand Marshals: Chief Master Sargent Jon Brownell • Joined the Army National Guard when he was a junior in high school • Served 10 years in the Guard • After September 11th, joined the Air National Guard • Spent 22 years in logistics, eventually becoming the Chief Enlisted Manager of the 158th Fighter Wing’s Logistics Readiness Squadron • Deployed to Qatar in 2004 • Led the preparations for the conversion of the F16 to the F35 • Received multiple decorations including the Air Force Commendation Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal • Lived in Essex since 2013 • Now works for Lockheed Martin as Site Manager for Burlington Air National Guard. Jon has been a leader, mentor, and advisor to enlisted personnel, and served our country for 32 years. He has demonstrated a commitment, and made significant contributions, to the defense sector both as a civilian and enlisted member. Lieutenant Colonel Retired Roger Drury • Joined the Vermont Army National Guard when he was a junior in high school • Graduated from flight school in Fort Rucker, Alabama • Spent 9 years as a reservist before becoming full-time for next 27 years • Held dozens of roles including Battalion Commander and Helicopter Pilot • At time of retirement in 2021, was a Mobilization Readiness Officer • Deployed for one-year stints to Afghanistan and Iraq • Received multiple decorations including Legion of Merit and Army Master Aviator Badge • Grew up in Essex, went to Essex High School, lives in Essex Town • Now works as Department of Army Civilian ROTC Program at UVM. Roger was an active member of the Vermont Army National Guard for 36 years. He has protected us at home and abroad and continues today, to grow and train young officers of the future. Staff Sargent Marlon Verasamy • Enlisted at age of 19, attending basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas • Joined 82nd Airborne with US Air Force as meteorologist • Served as a weather specialist for ground support for missions, unmanned air vehicles, and briefed fighter pilots on weather conditions and their potential impact on operations • Deployed to Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, Germany, and Bosnia • Twice deployed to Middle East • Twice deployed to Iraq • Received multiple decorations including Army Commendation Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal • Born in Boston, moved to Essex in 2015 • Now works as Observing Program Leader for National Weather Service. For 18 years, Marlon traveled the world, providing vital information to our military so that missions would be successful and personnel would be safe. (fb)