KSWA Megastars Join Lawrenceville Memorial Day Parade

Along a packed Butler Street, wrestlers from the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) marched in the annual Lawrenceville Memorial Day Parade.

KSWA World Champion Shane Starr and the reigning “Baddest Man in the KSWA” Bobby Badfingers highlighted the procession, along with an always-vibrant “King” Del Douglas. One-half of the Mercenaries—Sniper—also marched along with “The Enforcer” Shawn Blanchard and “Dr. Devastation” Lou Martin. KSWA Owner Bobby O was also on hand to make sure that none of the Megastars got out of line, less than a week before Saturday’s “Mayhem” at the Teamsters Temple.

The unofficial “First Day of Summer,” Memorial Day is traditionally known as a federal holiday in the United States designed for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Current veterans from the Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq all participated in the ceremony, along with dozens of politicians, community groups and business partners.

The Parade began just west of 40th Street and proceeded to the Allegheny Cemetery. The 11-minute, half-mile route ended at the 300-acre, 170-year-old cemetery. More than 124,000 people are buried along the 15-miles of roadway. The historic cemetery is the final resting place for various past Pittsburgh Mayors and other politicians, as well as several noted veterans. Some of the oldest graves belong to servicemen who fell during the French and Indian War from 1754–1763.

“It was a real honor to be asked to walk with the parade participants,” said Bobby O. “Lawrenceville has been the home of the KSWA for most of our 14 years, and its people have embraced us from Day One.”

KSWA World Champion visited with fans new and old along the route, had his picture taken with the Pirate Parrot and others. The Penguin’s mascot, Iceberg, the Steelers’ Steely McBeam, and Marvel Comic’s Captain America and Spiderman were represented during the picture-perfect morning.

By some radio reports, it was announced that the Lawrenceville crowd was larger than normal for the holiday.

In a related note, all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags in Harrisburg and at commonwealth facilities are flying at half-staff from sunrise to noon on Memorial Day. Governor Tom Corbett made the announcement last week.

"On this day, we honor and remember our brave military men and women who courageously sacrificed their lives while in the line of duty," the Governor's Office said in a statement.