Memorial Day Parade Plans Detailed In Warminster

WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP, PA — Now that the calendar has changed to May, the Warminster VFW Post 6493 & Auxiliary is making preparations for the township's annual Memorial Day parade.

This year's parade will take place on Monday, May 25.

The ceremony will feature remarks from local elected officials and keynote speaker Jonathan Bittner, a U.S. Army veteran, trauma specialist, and mental health therapist dedicated to serving veterans, first responders, and their families.

Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. (rain or shine) with a ceremony at the Warminster Township Building, 401 Gibson Ave., followed by the parade launch at 11 a.m.

The parade will head down Henry Road, then turn left onto York Road, right onto Street Road, and will end at the VFW Post 6493 on Louis Drive.

Food and drink will be available at the VFW after the parade.

Two years ago, the Phillie Phanatic made an appearance at the parade.

“While we should honor our veterans every day, Memorial Day reminds us to reflect on the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country,” said Jessica Fox, director of the Warminster Township Department of Parks and Recreation. “We are deeply grateful to our veterans for their service, and we encourage the community to join us as we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Bittner served nearly nine years in the U.S. Army, including a deployment to Afghanistan from 2007 to 2008, where he protected the battalion chaplain and provided support to wounded and grieving service members.

After retiring in 2013, Bittner continued serving veterans through crisis intervention, nonprofit leadership, and active involvement with the VFW.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Immaculata University and a master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with a trauma certification from Chestnut Hill College.

He is currently pursuing his doctorate in Psychology at Immaculata University while leading his own mental health practice and working with the Penn Trauma Violence Recovery Program.

Anyone interested in participating or who has questions should contact Mark Dempsey at 215-773-0693.

Ceremony highlights include:

• God Bless America, introductions and invocation, National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance
• Welcome and acknowledgements of special guests
• Remarks from elected officials
• Keynote address by Jonathan Bittner
• Proclamation
• Final Call, Taps, wreath placement
• Benediction and closing remarks