Memorial Day parade in Norfolk focuses on community, honoring military sacrifices

Stars and stripes lined the streets in Larchmont for the first Memorial Day parade in Norfolk hosted by the Larchmont Edgewater Civic League.

The parade kicked off at St. Patrick Catholic School and meandered through the Larchmont/Edgewater neighborhood. Boy Scouts, Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution in period attire, a Norfolk fire truck and others made up the procession. The parade swelled as kids on bikes and families joined in.

The parade ended a few blocks away at Larchmont United Methodist Church with a wreath laying ceremony and performances by a Navy bugler, a vocalist and a bagpipe player.

Gary and Deborah Chiaverotti, Larchmont residents, originated the idea for the parade. Both grew up in small towns with local celebrations, and wanted to see something similar in their own neighborhood.

Gary Chiaverotti, a retired Navy captain in summer whites, presented the history of Memorial Day during the wreath laying ceremony.

“It is unclear when and where this tradition originated, but we’re sure they were all local events,” Chiaverotti said. “Our locally held parade and remembrance ceremony hearkens back to the origin and intents of Decoration Day.”

Mike Crockett, vice president of the Larchmont Edgewater Civic League and an organizer of the parade, said this was the right neighborhood for the celebration.

“This is a military town, this is a Navy town,” Crockett said. “In this neighborhood, there’s active duty, reserve, guard, defense contractors. We’re all doing the same thing. …This is the perfect neighborhood to have a parade like this come through the heart of.”

Crockett said 700 to 800 people participated or attended. Hot dogs and ice cream ran out at the event at Larchmont United Methodist Church after.

For Navy bugler Alyssa John, Memorial Day is a special occasion.

Musician Petty Officer second class Alyssa John plays taps during a ceremony dedicating The Larchmont Edgewater Civic League inaugural Memorial Day parade in Norfolk. (Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot)

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“To me, it’s a chance to honor all the people that came before me and sacrificed so much,” John said.

John performed “Taps” during the wreath laying ceremony — a piece she called a final salute and thank you typically played at military funerals.

Mayor Kenny Alexander summed up Memorial Day in his remarks.

“We are honored to celebrate with you our freedom with a fun parade,” Alexander said. “More importantly, the reason that we’re here is to honor and celebrate the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to save our freedom and democracy.”

The wreath laying ceremony concluded with a bagpipe performance of “Flowers of the Forest” by Lt. J.G. Carter. Solemn notes contrasted with the fun-filled community party celebrating Memorial Day.

Cianna Morales, 757-957-1304, cianna.morales@virginiamedia.com