With Memorial Day fast approaching, Anthony Rodrigues and the rest of the Warwick Veterans Council are looking for groups to join the parade.

The organizers for the parade are Paul Kelley, James Burrows, Councilwomen Donna Travis and Camille Vella-Wilkinson, Robert Baggesen, Peter Peckhan and Rodrigues.

Rodrigues has had a part in organizing the parade for the past 16 years and said the Veterans Council is always looking to make it bigger and better.

Already numerous Girl and Boy Scout troops, a float from Fall River honoring The Unknown Solider, all three local high school bands, as well as local submariners and representatives from the National Guard have committed to the parade, but Rodrigues would really like to see more veterans groups sign on to march on Memorial Day.

We have a few vets joining in, but not as many as I would hope for, Rodrigues said.

Although Rodrigues said all groups are welcome and none would be turned away if they want to participate; he would like to know at least a week in advance though.

He said it can be hard to get groups motivated to be a part of the parade, but each year many of the groups commit last minute and some show up the day of.

With few parades throughout Warwick outside of Gaspee Days, Rodrigues believes the Memorial Day parade is very popular, especially with children.

Everyone likes to see something a little different and we do a good job, Rodrigues said. This is a very community oriented parade.

Once the parade is finished there will be a speaking program, with Mayor Scott Avedisian, members from the City Council as well as attending veterans. Invitations have been given to the congressional delegation as well as the Secretary of State, but Rodrigues has not heard back as of yet.

The parade is funded through a city grant for $2,750. Rodrigues said the Warwick Veterans Council could always use more, but they do the best with what they got.

”It’s a Memorial parade, recognizing and honoring those who have served our country,” Rodrigues said. “We also honor those serving around the world. It’s a great thing to be a part of.”

This year’s parade is on Memorial Day, Monday May 30th.

Marching groups are expected to gather in the rear parking lot of Hendricken High School. The parade will step off at 9:15 a.m. making their way towards West Shore Road and ending in front of Warwick Veterans Memorial High School.

Those looking to participate in the parade should contact Rodrigues through either his home phone, 401-737-1909 or his cell phone at 401-919-8951. No group will be turned away, but Rodrigues would like to hear from participants at least a week before the parade.