Perry parade to honor WWII veteran

While Penrose Wolf has earned two service stars and a Victory Medal for his service in World War II, the Independence Parade and Freedom Fireworks Celebration on June 26 will provide the 90-year-old veteran with his first opportunity to be grand marshal of a parade.

The event, coordinated by the Perry Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the city, begins with the parade at 6 p.m. The two-mile route runs from City Hall in downtown Perry to the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. Afterward, the Freedom Fireworks Celebration will continue at 7 p.m. with a Kid’s Zone, food vendors, a live performance from the Backwoodz Band, an Army air jumping team from Fort Benning and, of course, fireworks at sundown.

The air jumping team will present Wolf with an American flag.

“It gives the opportunity for all of Middle Georgia to celebrate our military heritage and to pay respect to those who have served our country,” said Darlene McLendon, president of the Perry Chamber of Commerce.

McLendon said the event is expected to draw more than 10,000 people.

The chamber’s military affairs committee selected Wolf as the grand marshal. This is the third year parade officials have specifically honored veterans.

This story was originally published June 23, 2016 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Perry parade to honor WWII veteran."