NOTE: “Today” and “tonight” refer to Friday, April 24.
BRINNON — Quantity and size aren’t always an indication of quality and value, as evidenced by the annual Brinnon Loyalty Day Parade.
The parade will begin at 1 p.m. today and end about six minutes later.
“This is for the youngsters and to educate them about history — although we do get a lot of adults,” said Don Boll, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10706, which sponsors the event with support from the Brinnon Boosters Club.
Assembly point
Parade participants will assemble at the corner of Schoolhouse Road and Corey Street and travel down Brinnon Lane, which serves as the viewing area.
After the parade, children will be offered cake and ice cream, and awards will be given for citizen of the year, firefighter of the year, EMT of the year and law enforcement official of the year.
Kendra and James will provide the musical entertainment at the parade’s end.
About 100 people usually attend the event in Brinnon, which is on U.S. Highway 101 about 12 miles south of Quilcene on the Hood Canal.
Loyalty Day was first observed nationally in 1921 as Americanization Day.
Designated holiday
It was designated as an official holiday by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.
The official designation is May 1, but the Brinnon celebration — held for 28 years — is usually on the last Friday of April.
A full slate of Jefferson County elected officials often attend.
“This is very heartfelt and sincere, and there isn’t a lot of shtick,” said Ruth Gordon, Superior Court clerk, in 2012.
“This is straight Americana and is very well-intended.”
After the parade, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary will provide a light lunch at the Brinnon Booster Club, 151 Corey Lane.
