SS
Springfield Scouting
Pack 131 · Troop 311
Pack 131 & Troop 311 Event

Memorial Day Parade.

On Monday, May 25, 2026, Pack 131 and Troop 311 will march together to honor those who gave everything in service to our country. Additional units have been invited to join us — the more Scouts, the better.

When
Monday, May 25, 2026

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Arrive by 8:45 AM

Meetup
Veterans Park · Amphitheater

Trailer in place by 8:00 AM. Look for the Pack 131 / Troop 311 banners.

Uniform
Pack 131 t-shirt (Class B)

Plus a water bottle and sunscreen — it can get warm out there.

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In Memoriam

Who we're marching for

This year, our Scouts march in honor of two American servicemen who gave their lives in service to our country.

Staff Sergeant

James R. Patton

U.S. Army · 75th Ranger Regiment
Years of service
2004 – 2010
Unit
Company A, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
Fell in service
Ghazni Province, Afghanistan · April 18, 2010

A squad leader in the 75th Ranger Regiment, SSG Patton deployed seven times in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He was killed in action on his seventh combat deployment while leading his Rangers during a direct-action raid in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.

Bronze Star (3)Purple HeartArmy Commendation Medal (V)
Lead The Way Fund tribute →
Master Sergeant (posthumous)

John A. Chapman

U.S. Air Force · Special Tactics Combat Controller
Years of service
1985 – 2002
Unit
24th Special Tactics Squadron
Fell in service
Battle of Takur Ghar, Afghanistan · March 4, 2002

Born in Springfield, MSgt Chapman was an Air Force Combat Controller attached to a Navy SEAL team during Operation Anaconda. After being severely wounded, he fought on alone for over an hour to protect an inbound Quick Reaction Force, ultimately giving his life to save his teammates. In 2018 his Air Force Cross was upgraded to the Medal of Honor — the first airman so honored since Vietnam.

Medal of HonorPurple Heart
Read his story on Wikipedia →
Parade Route

Where we'll march

The parade steps off at the intersection of Cliff Park Road and North Fountain Avenue, heads down McCreight Avenue, and finishes on Plum Street. From there, the trailer circles back to Veterans Park for pick-up.

  1. 1
    Step-off
    Cliff Park Rd & N Fountain Ave
  2. 2
    Along the route
    McCreight Avenue
  3. 3
    Finish
    Plum Street
  4. 4
    Pick-up
    Back at Veterans Park amphitheater
Itinerary

Schedule for the morning

Times are approximate — listen for a leader's whistle for the five-minute warning before step-off.

  1. 8:00 AM
    Trailer in place at Veterans Park
    Leaders set up the float and stage banners near the amphitheater.
  2. 8:30 AM
    Scouts arrive & check in
    Meet between 8:30 and 8:45 near the amphitheater at Veterans Park. Find a leader, sign in, and grab your spot with the unit.
  3. 8:50 AM
    Line up & safety talk
    Quick huddle for parade order, hand-signals, and a reminder to stay with your buddy.
  4. 9:00 AM
    🇺🇸 Parade step-off
    Route runs from Cliff Park Road & North Fountain Avenue → McCreight Avenue → Plum Street. Walk tall, wave, and smile big!
  5. ~10:30 AM
    Parade ends · trailer returns to Veterans Park
    Scouts ride or walk back to the staging area with leaders.
  6. 11:00 AM
    Pick-up at Veterans Park
    Parents collect Scouts at the amphitheater area. Help us load gear back into the trailer before you go!
What to bring

Packing & uniform

Keep it light — Scouts will be on their feet for about 90 minutes. Eat a good breakfast and hydrate before you arrive.

Uniform

  • Pack 131 t-shirt (Class B)
  • Comfortable shorts or pants
  • Closed-toe walking shoes (no sandals)
  • Pack hat or ball cap
  • Sunglasses

Bring with you

  • Refillable water bottle (filled!)
  • Sunscreen — apply before arrival
  • Small American flag to wave (optional)
  • Any prescription medications
  • Candy to pass out to spectators along the route

Family & spectators

  • Find a spot along the route to cheer the Scouts on
  • Bring chairs or a blanket — the parade runs about 90 minutes
  • Meet back at Veterans Park amphitheater for pick-up at 11:00 AM
  • Camera ready — this one's worth photographing
Questions about the parade?

Reach out to a leader — we'll make sure your Scout is ready to march.

Contact a leader Back to events