For the first time, Roscoe to host Mon Valley Veterans Day parade
American Legion Post 801 has been working since February to make the event a success.
For the first time in its storied history, the annual Mon Valley Veterans Day Parade will march under the leadership of Roscoe’s American Legion Post 801.
The event — set for Saturday, Nov. 8 — is more than just a parade.
It’s the result of months of hard work, community grit and an unwavering commitment to honor those who served.
The parade will kick off in Stockdale and wrap up in Elco. It is expected to draw hundreds of spectators from across the Valley.
Behind every marching band and waving flag are months of fundraising, coordinating, and adapting on the fly — all spearheaded by a team of volunteers who, until this year, had never hosted a parade of this scale.
Traditionally, hosting duties bounced between Charleroi, Monongahela, and other Valley towns — but never Roscoe. That will change this year because Post 801 stepped forward.
“We like a challenge,” said Post Commander Brenda Levine. “And we felt it was time. We’re a part of the Mon Valley, and our veterans deserve to be recognized.”
Levine took the reins alongside Jim Salzman, director of the Post’s Legion Riders, and a small but determined committee.
With a strong assist from the Veterans Service Organization, planning began in earnest in February.
With no blueprint of its own, the Roscoe crew leaned heavily on past hosts for advice — and a couple of well-worn folders passed down through the VSO.
But times change, and what worked a few years ago won’t always apply.
“Contacts were outdated, costs had gone up — we basically had to build our own playbook,” Salzman said.
The team hustled to raise funds by hosting chicken biscuit dinners, a pork chop night and raffling off a Blackstone grill.
Support came from local businesses, civic organizations and neighbors — including a trivia night run by teachers from California Area School District.
That grassroots, community-first approach turned a small-town parade into something much bigger.
“It’s not just the Legion anymore,” Salzman said. “It’s everybody. This became a community project.”
Lineup will start at 10:30 a.m. in Stockdale near the fire department on Railroad Street.
The opening ceremony is set for noon outside the Stockdale VFD, and the parade will roll out right after.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Dave Papak will serve as parade emcee, helping to guide the day’s events and spotlight those who’ve served.
Veterans will ride in style — but not in convertibles built to steal the spotlight.
Instead, the team opted for trailers with built-in benches so spectators can focus on the heroes, not the vehicles.
“They told us people end up looking at the cars instead of the veterans. That didn’t sit right with us,” Levine said.
The parade will move in order of military eras — World War II, Korea, Vietnam and so on — with accommodations made for age and mobility.
Golf carts, side-by-sides and trailers will all be used to make sure everyone is seen and comfortable.
Legion Riders, often pushed to the middle or end of parades, will lead off the day — revving up the crowd before police, fire, honor guards and marching units follow.
Bands from California, Charleroi and Ringgold are confirmed, along with other civic groups, possibly Junior ROTC and the Civil Air Patrol. Veterans from across the district have been invited, with the final count always a game-day surprise.
“Every year it’s the same — you never know until they show up. But we’ll be ready,” Salzman said.
After the parade ends, the Post will host a meal — not just for parade participants, but for the entire crowd.
“Usually it’s just for the veterans and their families. But if a kid in the Boy Scouts wants a hot dog and mac and cheese, come eat. We’re feeding everybody,” Levine said.
The menu? Spaghetti, chicken noodle soup, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese — a little something for everyone.
Donations are still being accepted, but most logistics are locked in. Handicap-accessible portable restrooms are reserved, buses and trailers are coordinated and shuttle service is planned to help with parking.
Members of the Roscoe Legion aren’t just planning a one-day event. They’re building a tradition.
“We’re already talking about staying in the rotation,” Levine said. “Even if I’m not commander next time, I’ll still be on the committee. I’m a veteran myself, so bringing this here to our town for the first time and making sure we stay involved is important.”
Although most major expenses have been covered, donations are still welcome to help offset remaining costs and support future veterans events hosted by Post 801. Any checks should be earmarked for the Veterans Day parade, as funds are being kept in a separate account.
Anyone interested in contributing can drop off or mail a donation directly to the Roscoe American Legion or reach out to members of the parade committee.
Every dollar helps — from covering meals and transport to supporting future events.
“It all helps,” Levine said. “And we’re grateful for every bit of support.”
From banners honoring local heroes to the roar of motorcycles leading the charge, Post 801 is going all in for its first time at the helm.
“It might not all go perfect,” Levine admitted. “But that’s OK. This year’s about learning, about doing something meaningful and about making sure no veteran feels forgotten.”
Whether you’re marching, watching, or volunteering, one thing’s certain for Post 801 — and the entire Mon Valley — this Veterans Day will be one to remember.
