2023
Thank you to our sponsors!
Contest Winners
Parade Grand Marshal: Tom McElwee
Tom was born and raised in Palmyra, attended Palmyra Public Schools and still lives here today. After graduating in 1964 he quickly joined the US Coast Guard later that year on November 11, 1964 (Veteran’s Day). After completing training camp Tom was assigned to what seemed to be a safe place until he found himself on his way to South Vietnam. He spent the next 9 months cruising on a Swift Boat supplied by the US Navy. He then came back from Vietnam to Norfolk where he spent the rest of enlistment on the Cutler Chincoteague patrolling the East Coast.
Tom was born and raised in Palmyra, attended Palmyra Public Schools and still lives here today. After graduating in 1964 he quickly joined the US Coast Guard later that year on November 11, 1964 (Veteran’s Day). After completing training camp Tom was assigned to what seemed to be a safe place until he found himself on his way to South Vietnam. He spent the next 9 months cruising on a Swift Boat supplied by the US Navy. He then came back from Vietnam to Norfolk where he spent the rest of enlistment on the Cutler Chincoteague patrolling the East Coast.
After his enlistment, Tom entered the working class with for many years. He married, had 2 daughters and has always been involved in our community here in Palmyra ever since, especially when it came to our war hero’s.
His interest in the Yellow Ribbon Club in 2003 gives him the opportunity to make impactful contributions to our soldiers in the Middle East. Endless efforts to provide nonperishable packages to our men and women overseas makes him a hero in yet another form.
He also is a founding member Beverly National Cemetery Avenue of Flags. A 60-year member of the American Legion, serving as a member and trustee of Jersey Boys State and as County Commander 1982-1983.
Back home, Tom is also the Founding Member and President of Palmyra War Memorial Committee for the past 15 years. His efforts to bring the community together to honor our soldiers past and current are part of Palmyra’s history and Tom helps to keep this history rich and plentiful. So much work goes into Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and we can’t thank him enough for making it happen year after year.
Because of Tom’s endless volunteer efforts to Veterans, Soldiers, and our Palmyra Community, Tom Elway was our obvious choice for this year’s Grand Marshall!
Thanks, Tom! You are a valuable member of our community, and we appreciate all that you do!
Parade Photos
