August 5, 2006: The City of Alpharetta and the American Legion Post 201 held the 54th Annual Old Soldiers Day Parade in downtown Alpharetta. The parade is just one way that our country’s war veterans are recognized for the service. A Memorial Service was held on Main Street in front of City Hall at 8:45 am music, 9:30 am program and 10:15 am parade. The parade ended at the American Legion Post 201 on Wills Road for fee food and activities.

The Old Soldiers Day Parade began years ago as a tribute to veterans of the war between the states, but was discontinued after a few years. Twenty–eight years later, in 1952, a small group of men in Alpharetta re-dedicated Old Soldiers Day Parade in Alpharetta and started having a parade through downtown Alpharetta. Thanks to these few men and their belief in keeping this memorable tradition alive, this parade has become an annual celebration to all veterans of all wars; this year marking 54 years.

Along with the program and parade, this celebration also features floats, bands, entertainment, children’s activities, and prizes. Free hot dogs and soft drinks were available at the American Legion at 201 Wills Road. With so much to celebrate, residents of Alpharetta, Roswell and the surrounding area took this day to recognize the living memory of all veterans of war.

Pictures of the Milton H.S. Marching Band can be seen on http://miltonsports.smugmug.com/gallery/1750940