'It's somewhat overwhelming': Waukesha Memorial Day Parade canceled

 

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- There will be no Memorial Day parade in Waukesha next month.

Organizers cite aging veterans and a lack of resources for the reason.

"Age is a problem and also physical strength," said Patrick Craney, parade organizer with the Waukesha Allied Veterans Council.

Craney has organized the parade for the past two decades.

"There's just not enough people, and not enough resources in the veterans councils to organize a parade," said Craney. 

The parade is not organized by the city of Waukesha, but rather put on by members of the Waukesha Allied Veterans Council.

Parade security has been heightened since the tragic events of the Waukesha Christmas parade, an added layer Craney said made planning this year's event all-consuming.

"I just think we have so many people to contact, and the scheduling, and that sort of thing, that it's somewhat overwhelming," said Craney.

The parade's cancellation came as a shock to community members.

"It's really hard to find volunteers and run a big event like that, I get that, but it's sad," said Tami Evanoff, owner, Burlap and Lace Marketplace.

Evanoff has watched the parade in the past and is hopeful for its return.

"I'm hoping that everybody will miss that parade as much as I'm going to, and just all band together and get it going for the next year," said Evanoff.

Craney went on to say there will be smaller celebrations on Memorial Day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

On Memorial Day, the public is welcomed to a riverside service to honor those lost at sea.

Starting at 11 a.m. at Cutler Park, a ceremony will be held with a keynote speaker along with other ceremonial moments.