Officials with the local Armed Forces Committee are hoping beautiful weather and an inaugural run set in downtown Scranton will boost attendance at today's parade.
The 2013 Armed Forces Day Parade honoring past and present members of the nation's military steps off at 11 a.m. outside the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center on Penn Avenue.
Though attendance has dwindled over the years, parade committee member Joe Sylvester said he is anticipating one of the largest turnouts in recent history because of the addition of "family friendly activities" set before and after the parade.
He cited the first Gino J. Merli Veterans Center & Matthew's Mission 5K Run/Walk, saying he believes people will linger in downtown Scranton after the run and catch some of the parade.
The 5K run begins today at 9 a.m. on Franklin Avenue, though registration starts as early as 7:30. All proceeds will benefit the veterans center.
"I think the run will attract different crowds of people, and most importantly, families," Mr. Sylvester said. "With the beautiful weather expected, I am hoping about 10,000 people show. But I will be happy with anything more than 4,000."
The parade will feature the Pennsylvania Army National Guard's Scranton-based 55th Brigade, as well as the Scranton, West Scranton and Dunmore High School bands and dozens of other military and veteran units.
The parade will begin at Penn Avenue and Vine Street and continue south on Penn Avenue to Lackawanna Avenue, moving east past the Mall at Steamtown and turning north on North Washington Avenue past the Lackawanna County Courthouse.
Joseph Albert, the commander of American Legion Koch-Conley Post 121, said the event is significant because "only a few communities still hold the parade."
"I've been participating for at least 10 years, and I appreciate all the people who stand along the parade route to honor the veterans," he said.
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