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Writer's pictureR.R. Keefer

The Fluvanna Historical Society Marches in Annual Memorial Day Parade

Updated: Jun 3

A Celebration of Heritage, Unity and Resilience

This photograph features a group of individuals marching in a parade down the middle of a street.  They are dressed in various colors, but predominately pink, red and some white.  The young girls marching in the parade are wearing pink shirts with donut graphics displayed prominetly on the front of the shirts.  A few are wearing pink tootoos.  Two of the older girls, in the early teens, are carrying a banner that features prominently in the foreground of the picture that reads in part, “Donut Dollies - The Unsung Women Who Gave Sweet Treats on the Front Line" and promoting the website of the Fluvanna Community Historical Society (https://www.FluvannaHistory.com)
FCHS volunteers proudly march in the 2024 Memorial Day Parade, in Bemus Point, with Camryn Allen and Paisley Wilson carrying the Historical Society's banner in tribute to "Doughnut Dollies." [R. Keefer/May 27, 2024]

Bemus Point, NY — On May 27, 2024, the Fluvanna Community Historical Society (FCHS) proudly participated in the annual Memorial Day parade in Bemus Point. Despite the weather’s initial threat of rain, our dedicated group of community supporters, history enthusiasts, volunteers and young participants came together to honor our nation’s heroes and celebrate our rich heritage. Read more about the Historical Society's march in the Memorial Day Parade this year:


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Historical Society Marches in Memorial Day Parade

This year, we had 15 enthusiastic marchers representing FCHS. Their commitment to preserving local history was evident as they proudly walked the parade route, waving to the crowd and sharing stories of our past. But our team extended beyond the marchers—seven additional volunteers worked behind the scenes to ensure our participation was seamless.


Remembering the Doughnut Dollies

Among our group, several of our most youngest members dressed up in honor of the "Doughnut Dollies." These remarkable women served during World War I, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars. They brought comfort, camaraderie, a reminder of home and, of course, doughnuts to the troops stationed overseas. To learn more about their fascinating role in history, read the articles we posted in the past about the Doughnut Dollies on our blog here and here.


You can help commemorate the Doughnut Dollies on National Doughnut Day (a national observance created in their honor) by participating in our annual Krispy Kreme Doughnut Fundraiser. Just click the "Buy Now" button to find out more or place your order:



A Fortunate Turn of Weather

It rained the morning of the Memorial Day parade this year and as the start time approached so too did the clouds threatening even more rain. The impending storm loomed as a potential spoiler for our eagerly awaited event. However, in a fortunate turn of events, roughly 30 minutes before 10 AM, the rain stopped, and the clouds started to break apart. The parade could proceed! Our moods brightened, and we paraded with invigorated enthusiasm.


Music and Nostalgia

While the Maple Grove High School Marching Band dropped out last minute due to the potential for rain, FCHS ensured the parade was not devoid of music for the occasion. For the second year in a row, the Historical Society marched with a portable speaker system in tow broadcasting the timelines tunes that Doughboys and Doughnut Dollies alike enjoyed, sang along and danced to during this era. This year, we featured songs popular with the troops during World War II, including ...

  • "We're Going to Hang out the Washing on the Siegfried Line"

  • “Boogie Woogie, Bugle Boy”


The lively tunes resonated with the crowd, evoking memories of cheerful and lighthearted defiance in the face of adversity. This is the music of resilience, sacrifice and victory.


Spreading the Word

Our marchers didn’t just entertain; they engaged with the community. We tossed candy to eager children and distributed over 450 promotional cards highlighting upcoming FCHS events:



Furthermore, we provided spectators with information on how to join FCHS and be part of our vibrant community.




Historical Society Captures the Moments

For those who missed the parade or want to relive the moment, check out the event photos in the Fluvanna’s United Neighbors (FUN) group online. Share your own snapshots and connect with fellow community and history enthusiasts.


A Joyful Conclusion

As the parade concluded, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. The rain held off, the music played and our community came together. We invite you all to mark your calendars for next year’s Memorial Day parade. Let’s continue celebrating our heritage, honoring our veterans and creating memories that will last a lifetime.


Join us, and let’s make history together! 🎉



 
Logo of the Fluvanna Community Historical Society, featuring Fluvanna's historic Meeting House in a green stylized graphic, with the sun rising in the background.

The Fluvanna Community Historical Society is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, provisionally chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, and dedicated to connecting our community with our past, with each other and with a brighter future.


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Paisley Wilson
Paisley Wilson
20 de jun.

I love this pic!🥰

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R.R. Keefer
R.R. Keefer
20 de jun.
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You guys literally lead the way!

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Oakley Etta
Oakley Etta
19 de jun.
Avaliado com 5 de 5 estrelas.

Have good luck redoing the  historical society 

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Oakley Etta
Oakley Etta
20 de jun.
Respondendo a

Thanks

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