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Wisconsin American Legion Family plays prominent role in Appleton Flag Day Parade, the nation’s oldest and largest of its kind.

On June 13, around a one-mile stretch of College Avenue in downtown Appleton, Wis., was awash in red, white and blue. Thousands of area residents of all ages lined the street, from toddlers to veterans adorned in Vietnam War shirts and hats. Many of their outfits represented the nation’s colors; most waved small American flags.

And as they cheered or stood in respect as participants in the nation’s oldest and largest Flag Day parade marched in front of them, they also saw a recurring sight: members of Department of Wisconsin American Legion Family among those in the parade.

And leading the 90-unit procession was the Scarlet Guard Color Guard, comprised of Northeast Wisconsin Legion Family members – one from almost two hours away. The group carried the U.S. flag, the American Legion flag and flags representing the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

As they passed, people stood to pay their respects for Old Glory.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 38 member Cindy Hoffman, wife of Past Post 38 Commander Jan Hoffman, has been coming to the parade for decades but participated for the first time this year, riding on Post 38’s Legion Family float. She said Appleton always has embraced the parade. “You can tell that by the number of people that were lining the streets, from little kids to the older ones,” she said. “They treat it with honor. They’re very happy to have it.

“And it’s great to see the veterans that can’t be a part of marching but are standing up and saluting and all that kind of stuff. To see all of those people, it was amazing.”

In the parade’s 75^th year, this was just the second time the Scarlet Guard had led it off. Typically, it’s a military unit that provides the color guard, but their availability has diminished over the years.

And when a color guard was needed, parade officials knew where to turn. “We’re very proud of the fact that we really are the showcase (color guard) unit,” Scarlet Guard Field Commander and Sons of 17�Թ��� Squadron 38 member Eric Stadler said. “When an organization in the area needs a color guard, we’re the first one called.”

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The entire American Legion Family joined the Appleton, Wis., community to honor ‘Old Glory’ during America’s longest-running Flag Day parade. Photos by Narayan Mahon

Stadler said that’s because of both the guard’s precision and dedication. “Two years ago it was raining at the start of the parade,” he said. “All the high school bands were peeling out. Even the Army band said, ‘We can’t play because we’ve got woodwind instruments that can’t get wet.’ I went up to our unit and said, ‘We are marching in this parade. If any of you have a problem with it, step off now. I won’t look. But we have a job and a mission to do to promote patriotism as an American Legion organization and promote what we stand for.’ And there wasn’t anybody that walked away.”

But the June 13 parade was a little different. “I think we stood a lot prouder because we know this is our 250-year birthday as a nation,” Stadler said. “At the end (of the parade), I told them I’ve never seen them march better. I was so proud of them.”

Newly sworn in Post 38 Commander Jonathan Reid praised Stadler – who also serves as the parade’s assistant chairman – for his efforts with the guard and his overall impact on the post.

“I’ll tell you about that gentleman. You can’t cobble enough words together to balance the scales of his contributions,” Reid said. “He has worked tirelessly and is an absolute 100-percent dedicated captain here. We’re lucky to have him. You can look around and see the effect he’s had on the membership and the post itself.”

Reid, who served in the U.S. Army 1986 to 2014, said being a part of the parade allows the post to connect with its fellow Appleton residents – especially as the nation prepares to celebrate its semiquincentennial. “There’s a great opportunity here for some face-time with the community to help them understand the value of being connected to the Legion and Post 38, in particular, for us,” he said. “This offers us an opportunity for exposure, questions asked and visibility. It’s important in those terms.

“But of course there’s a time-honored tradition. Just being part of it, of course, is an honor. That history speaks to itself: 250 years is a phenomenal number. To be in this parade during that time … it’s a fantastic time to celebrate, and to be a part of that is an honor.”

Department of Wisconsin Vice Commander Steve Kohnke, a member of American Legion Post 434 in Oak Creek, drove more than 120 miles to take part in the parade while his wife and grandson watched along the parade route.

“I think it’s a great event,” Kohnke said. “I think it’s very important that we continue to do a great job honoring the country and history and remember the legacies of all that gave their lives for us before us.”

Also in attendance were Wisconsin Alternate National Executive Committeeman Karl Stuvengen, Department of Wisconsin Vice Commander Rita Rindahl, Department Auxiliary President Sue Hembrook, and Sons of 17�Թ��� Detachment Commander Chris Dannenmann. 

American Legion Family members taking part in the parade represented multiple posts, including Post 60 in Kimberly, Post 41 in Kaukauna, Post 106 in Seymour, Madelyn La Canne American Legion Post 539 in Green Bay, Post and Unit 33 from Neenah, Post 226 in Manawa and Hammond-Schmit Post 55 in Hortonville.

In addition to the strong Legion presence, the parade also included multiple marching bands – active-duty military, high schools and the University of Wisconsin Marching Band – first responders, local government officials, and other veterans and civic organizations.

Both of Stadler’s grandfathers fought in the Army during World War II, while his father later served in the Army. “I didn’t serve, and this is my way of giving back,” Stadler said. “As a kid, I’d take the flag from our front porch and march up and down the street. I don’t know why I bleed red, white and blue, but I do.”

And that’s why he feels the Scarlet Guard has such a critical role today. “That is what it’s all about: bringing the community together,” Stadler said. “The more we do things like this – and we can never stop doing things like this because, because that’s going to break the unity of us as a community and nation. That’s why I do it all. It’s my commitment to community. I think that’s why we all do it. As an SAL member, I have to do this.”