JACKSON – What better way to honor World War II veteran Wally Jamison on his 100th birthday than with a parade?
“This should be a great day for Wally and his family,” Jackson Police Officer Mike Basso said. “This event is a joint effort being coordinated by Jackson PBA 168 and Jackson VFW Post 4703.”
The officer described Jamison as a “national treasure and true American hero who deserves the best 100th birthday party possible. With such an impressive resume, I’m surprised Hollywood hasn’t made a movie about him yet.”
The activities will all take place on February 18 kicking off with a vehicle parade at 11:30 a.m. at the Jackson Police Department in the Justice Complex. Basso said the parade will consist of various police vehicles, fire trucks, emergency service vehicles, motorcycles, military vehicles and classic cars.
The parade will proceed onto West Veterans Highway past town hall, onto Bennetts Mills Road all the way to Magnolia Drive.
Jamison will ride in the parade which will then turn left onto Magnolia Drive towards the VFW Post. “On Magnolia Drive, there will be a matching contingent of the parade including police and veteran honor guards, pipe bands, high school bands, and more,” Basso said.
Along the parade route on Bennetts Mills Road, there will be Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts lining the roadway as well as fire trucks displaying American flags.
Basso added, “the parade should arrive at the Jackson VFW Post (54 Magnolia Drive) at approximately 12 p.m. As the parade marches in, a live band, Kickin Wing will be performing on stage outside the VFW.”
“Following the conclusion of the parade, a brief ceremony will occur honoring Jamison. An after-party will then commence at the VFW with food, refreshments and a cash bar for those of age, which will be open to the public,” he said.
