JOHN J. ARMITAGE JR.

IRON MOUNTAIN — John J. Armitage Jr. of Iron Mountain has been selected as the grand marshal for the 2024 Iron Mountain-Kingsford Independence Day Parade, according to parade organizers.

Armitage was nominated by Katie Maxon, chief of Public Affairs, Veteran Experience and Voluntary Service at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain. Maxon said Armitage has been a volunteer at the VA for the past 16 years and for many years served as road captain for the annual Veteran Tribute Ride, which raises funds for local veterans’ organizations. Armitage also received the local VA’s Above and Beyond Award and the national office’s Presidential Award for his voluntary service.

Armitage served as a U.S. Navy combat corpsman in southeast Asia/Vietnam for three years, 11 months, and 11 days. Being in the service was a family tradition of sorts, as his brother, father, uncle and grandfather were also in the military.

He said he enjoys volunteering because of what he experienced during his time overseas. “I want to help these guys because I know what it’s like.”

This year’s parade theme is “Let Freedom Ring,” and entry forms are available at all First National Bank & Trust locations in Iron Mountain and Kingsford or online at www.menomineemuseum.com. Deadline to enter is June 21.

This is the fifth year the Independence Day Parade has been organized by the Menominee Range Historical Foundation’s Promotional Committee, which always welcomes volunteers to help with the event. For more information, write to mrhf.parade@gmail.com or text/call 906-221-3845.