Many events in Concord whether it is the Heights, downtown, or Penacook are not organized by the city of Concord. Many people take it for granted the City of Concord paid for a parade with bands, floats and many participants. This is so far from the truth. It is volunteers from one organization or a person(s) without an organization behind them helping to keep a tradition that is treasured in Concord alive.
Recently, there was a parade that started in Lower Boscawen and marched into Penacook and finished at Woodlawn Cemetery in Penacook. This event, called the Police and Fire Memorial Parade, has been a tradition for over 100 years. This event was organized to honor all police officers and firefighters who have passed away through the years. For many years, the late Dick Brodeur would organize the event with the assistance of volunteers. The late Sheldon Tucker took over for Dick when he passed away to keep this tradition going. The past few years, Tucker’s son, Kevin, has been working tirelessly with no budget for music for the parade. The participants from Concord, Boscawen, Merrimack County Sheriff’s Department and Correctional Officers from all over the county met on the first Sunday in June at 9 a.m. at Lower Boscawen Torrent Station marching to Woodlawn Cemetery in Penacook. I have known Kevin for many years and he puts his heart and soul into this event as well as others that he helps on. Thank you Kevin for all the work you do, it is much appreciated.
Dick Patten
Concord