By Doug Miller
City officials estimate half the city's 36,000 people will either march in or watch the parade. Representatives from more than 50 organizations totaling more than 5,000 marchers will parade through the city.
The parade will depart from the corner of West Beech Street and Ohio Avenue, proceed along Beech through the West End to New York, turn north to Park Avenue, then proceed east along the north side of Park Avenue and terminate at City Hall.
The grand Marshals for the 2004 parade will be all the World War II veterans who live on the barrier island. John Radin, chairman of the parade, said he estimated as many as 50 would march.
Each grand marshal will receive a special medal commissioned for the parade that commemorates the national dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C., which will take place Saturday. The medal will be worn around the neck on a ribbon of red, white and blue.
In addition, a special presentation will be made of a Long Beach flag carried by USMC CPL John McGovern to Iraq and signed by his platoon. It will be presented to his parents and will be on display at Long Beach City Hall.
This weekend will also boast the running of the annual City Manager's 10 Mile and 5K Trophy Run, which will be held Sunday, May 30. Applications are available at the Recreation Center. This year's race is co-sponsored by the City of Long Beach and the Long Beach Lions Club.
Both races are flat and fast with courses marked throughout the city by Finish Line Road Race Technicians. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. Day of race sign-up will be held at the Long Beach Community Center on Magnolia Blvd.
The fee is $20 per entrant and checks are made payable to the Lions Club. T-shirts are guaranteed to pre-registrants. As always, the Lions will be serving refreshments and aiding the City of Long Beach in lining the courses for traffic control.
