Freedom Fest wouldnt be what it is without the participation of the community. This year, when the people of Murray come together to enjoy food, friends and music, the faces in the crowd we hope to recognize most are those of our countrys veterans. Home of the Brave is the theme of the 2013 FNB Freedom Fest Parade, taking place June 29.

In keeping with the theme, the FNB Bank Parade will honor our nations veterans as grand marshals. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. featuring various community groups and their patriotic floats, cars and of course, candy.

We are so fortunate to be able to celebrate like we do, said Erin Carrico, executive director of the Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau. Its the perfect time to celebrate the people who give us freedom throughout the years - our veterans.

Carrico said she is excited to see the entries for the parade, as they are always new and exciting.

I think, with the theme, well see impressive entries from all of the participating organizations. Everyone is always eager to show their hard work, and now theres the added bonus of paying tribute to our veterans. We hope to see good use of our nations colors.

The parade route begins at 10th St. and Main, passing across the Court Square, ending in the Briggs & Stratton parking lot. The lineup process will begin at 8 a.m. to ensure a prompt 9:30 a.m. parade start.

Individuals and groups interested in being a part of the parade can download an application from http://www.tourmurray.com or call (270) 759-2199. Participation is free and the deadline to turn in an application in Friday, June 14. Late applications will not be accepted.

There will be a Veterans Remembrance Ceremony in Chestnut Park at the Veterans Memorial on July 4, at 7:30 a.m. All veterans and community members are invited to attend. For a complete schedule of Freedom Fest activities visit the website or like Freedom Fest on Facebook.

This year we invite residents to share kind words with our veterans with the use of social media. Go to facebook.com/murraykentucky and write on our wall, or tweet your thanks using #freedomfestky on Twitter. The Murray CVB will compile the responses and distribute them to the veterans participating in the FNB Bank Freedom Fest Parade, commented a CVB spokesperson.

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Freedom Fest ‘13: ‘Home of the Brave’