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Monday, August 27, 2018
National Convention Parade Moves Indoors Due to Thunderstorm Threat
Department Commander Gary Schacher leads New York’s contingent in the National American Legion Centennial Convention Parade in Minneapolis.
MINNEAPOLIS — The American Legion Centennial Convention Parade, featuring marching units from across the country, moved indoors to the massive Minneapolis Convention Center, thanks to a forecast of late afternoon thunderstorms on Sunday.
The center was packed with onlookers as the parade wound its way around the lengthy indoor perimeter, including a swing through the huge convention hall where the reviewing stand announcer recognized each Department contingent as well as individual units – such as the high school and senior marching bands.
Department Commander Gary Schacher led the New York contingent, which included Fort Crailo Post’s Yankee Doodle Band from Rensselaer.
New York’s Band of the Tonawandas attracted wild applause and hoots as the national champion.
Several states featured costumed participants portraying elements of their history, such as a Daniel Boone-like pioneer and native Americans in full-feathered headdress.
