Apr 30, 2025 By Garrett Neese 4 min read

A tradition dating back to the 1930s will again wind its way through the streets of Uniontown.

The 92nd annual Americanism Parade, organized by American Legion Lafayette Post 51, begins at 7 p.m. Thursday.

It has its roots in the response to radical activity in Fayette County that followed the coal strike of 1933.

The following April, communists asked the city for permission to hold a May Day parade, a pro-worker celebration commonly held in the Soviet Union and other countries.

A simple yes or no could stoke unrest either way. A group of five Legionnaires proposed a compromise: a large celebration and parade celebrating America that could encompass everybody.

“The parade is for all nationalities to be able to come together and express their pride in being an American,” said ​​Post Commander Paul Palya, in explaining its enduring appeal.

Several hundred people line the streets for the parade each year, Palya said.

This year’s parade route will begin at the intersection of East Church and Main streets, then hang a left and go down Main Street to Mount Vernon Avenue, where participants will turn right to end the parade.

Grand marshal is Maureen Wiegl. Since 2021, she has been the state’s deputy adjutant general for veterans affairs, where she oversees state veteran programs, reintegration and outreach and veterans’ programs. Before that, she served 25 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2016 with the rank of brigadier general.

As of last week, there were 35 participants, who will start lining up for the parade around 5:30 p.m. Palya said the parade is expected to last about an hour.

Throughout, crowds can expect to see a mix of marching bands from schools and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, businesses, politicians, motorcycle groups, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets, and children waving flags while dressed in red, white and blue.

“It’s kind of leaning a little bit towards more military, but we try to keep it open to everybody,” Palya said.

The American Legion Lafayette Post 51 Americanism Parade in Uniontown will be held May 1. Parade line up starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the parade at 7 p.m.

East Church Street between Marshall Park and Marshall Manor

Honor Guard with colors and banner

Uniontown Fire Department fire truck

Uniontown Police Department Vehicle. Chief Delbert DeWitt and Mayor Bill Gerke

Vehicle transporting Grand Marshal Brigadier Gen. (Retired) Maureen Weigl

Sheriff James Custer and K-9

East South Street at Marshall Manor. (Access from Gallatin Avenue)

State Sen. Pat Stefano

State Rep. Charity Krupa

County Commissioner Vince Vicites

County Clerk of Courts Timothy Dye

County Register of Wills Jeffery Redmond

County Recorder of Deeds Jon Marietta

County District Attorney Michael Aubele

American Legion Post 51 Commander and Auxiliaries

Amvets Post 103 Commander

VFW Gold Star Post 7023

DAV

N.U. VFW Post 8543

Vietnam Vets Inc.

Jefferson Street between Library and Marshall Park (Access from Pennsylvania Avenue)

American Legion Community Marching Band

Laurel Highlands Middle School Marching Band

AL McMullen Middle School Marching Band

Post 51 Legion Riders (Behind marching bands)

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Group (Behind marching bands)

Amvets Rider Group (Behind marching bands)

Uniontown Public Library Parking Lot (Access from Jefferson Street)

Laurel Highlands High School Junior ROTC.

Albert Gallatin High School Junior ROTC

Cub Scout Pack 654 (Unload at Saint John Church Parking Lot)

Iowa Street (Access from Fayette Street)

Laurel Valley Corvette Club

All Fire trucks, emergency vehicles, and EMS.

East Church Street (Access from Gallatin Avenue)

Kulenovic (McLaughlin Memorial)

Fort Necessity DAP

Amedisys Hospice & Home Health

Starky Landscaping

Jim Bendishaw Memorial Run

DAR for Necessity

Hatfield Elementary School

Caring Missions, Mrs. Senior Queen

Relay for Life

Boy Scout Troop 643

One Voice One Community

No politicking is allowed. Horses, ATVs and side by sides are not permitted without the approval of the Uniontown Police Department.

Participating bands and ROTC groups can safely unload trailers, buses, and participants at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church parking lot on Jefferson Street.

There will be safe pick-up at the end of parade for all participants, bands, and groups with trailers or buses at the St. Mary School parking lot on Mount Vernon Avenue.

Any organization that wants to participate, please call the American Legion at 724-438-8041.