Organizers hope for a large turn out to see The Medal of Honor Host City Program’s first parade, set for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 31, which may well become one of the largest in Gainesville history.

The visiting Medal of Honor Recipients, including Grand Marshal John Finn, 97, will ride in either vintage Rolls-Royces from an area club, or vintage vehicles form the Red River Valley Chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Assn.

According to parade committee chairman, Ben Hatcher, entrants are still being tabulated but as many as 25 law enforcement vehicles from North Texas and Southern Oklahoma are committed.

The 77th Army Ceremonial Band--"The Pride of Fort Sill"—will lead the downtown event.  The band performs in many military and civilian functions throughout the Ft. Sill area, as well as for social gatherings and educational performances. 

Gainesville Police Chief Carl Dunlap said that the parade will include a Hummer patrol unit from the Light Horse Police of the Chickasaw Nation, and Tarrant County’s Regional Auto Theft Task Force will send its specialty vehicle.

Plans also call for the local department’s eight new patrol unit to be delivered in time for the parade and will sport a new graphics package which includes the distinctive Medal of Honor Host City logo. In addition, the name of each Recipient who has visited Gainesville will be added with their permission.

As many as 40 or 50 motorcycles from through North Texas are expected to participate, and the Gainesville High School Marching Band will also provide additional musical entertainment. Several floats, local youth from the soccer leagues, elementary schools, and Boy and Girl Scout troops have all entered.

Tom Carson of KGAF will serve as parade announcer.

Immediately following the parade the public is invited to attend the planting and dedication of oak trees along Gainesville’s Home Grown Hero Walking Trail for the Recipients on their first visit to Gainesville.