A Celebration of Heritage, Unity and Resilience
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:
Annual Krispy Kreme Fundraiser (June 7)
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides (June 8 and 9)
Native Plants Talk (June 15)
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! 🎉
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.
I love this pic!🥰
Have good luck redoing the  historical society