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The American Legion “Magic City” Post 24 is proud to announce a march to Bogalusa City Hall, to be held Wednesday.

Beginning promptly at 9 a.m., Legion members will leave the post headquarters at 63349 Louisiana Highway 10 on foot and proceed to city hall. The American flag will be carried by the commander to city hall, where the national anthem will be sung by those in attendance. Post chaplain Paul Course will offer remarks and community prayer.

The public is asked to show support by remaining in vehicles and “tooting their horns” as they pass the procession or city hall during their travels.

“Keeping everyone safe is the reason we have altered our annual program,” Post Commander Donald R. Kuhn Sr. said. “We want to acknowledge and support the birthday of our nation, while respecting the real public health emergency we face.

“Since the founding of our nation, veterans have preserved the freedoms we enjoy — to worship, to speak, to assemble, to vote. Legion members and veterans everywhere remain vigilant to preserve these freedoms for the next generation. We celebrate these freedoms as our nation celebrates its birthday.”

The American Legion has conducted a parade on Independence Day for the past 80 years. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the parade will not be held this year, to minimize the size of gatherings and support social distancing guidelines for public health.

Independence Day is the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the United States’ independence from Great Britain. It is the “birthday” of America.