The coordination of parade activities related to Veterans was organized and facilitated by Earl Billman, a member of the American Legion and the VFW Post 7706, and Paul Corwin, Past Post Commander for 1 July 2017 – 30 June 2019. Their guidance and professionalism was instrumental in the success of the parade. Paul worked closely Randy Karon, BHS Band Leader, to identify musicians to participate in the Barrington Community Band. He helped to coordinate the transportation (truck and trailer) for the band to ride and provide an excellent an music medley.

In the past the members of the post provided the Color Guard, but this year Earl Billman asked the Boy Scouts to be the color guard. They did an excellent job leading the parade ahead of the veterans able to march. Some of the veterans did ride in vehicles provided by Motor Werks of Barrington.

The warmth and appreciation of the Barrington community continues to be heartwarming.  

This year the VFW Post had the honor of a member being the Grand Marshal – Burnell Wollar.

Here is an excerpt from Burnell’s interview with the Patch in 2011. You can read the entire interview online at the Patch. Or download it here: Burnell Wollar Interview 2011

Despite the friendships made, Wollar makes no bones about the terror of waging war.  “When you’re on the front lines and someone’s shooting at you; I don’t care what anybody says you’re scared and you’re scared every day.  All you can think about is, when’s this going to end or when is the bullet aimed at me that has my name on it.  But you do your job.”