Wellesley Veterans Parade to feature 8-foot high balloons honoring the military

For the first time in its 57-year history, the Wellesley Veterans Parade on Sunday, May 18 (1-3pm) will feature three giant 8-foot helium balloons—much like those you typically see in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Inflating the balloons will be supervised by Dr. Brian O’Connor, a Wellesley resident and veteran who served in as a doctor in a MASH unit during the Afghanistan War.

The three balloons will be guided down the street by members of the Wellesley High School lacrosse and football teams, supervised by Coach Jerry Nigro of the Wellesley Lacrosse team as well as members of the Wellesley Country Club (the title sponsor of the parade on Sunday).  Each balloon has a 7 pound lift and four residents of Wellesley will handle each balloon.

The balloons will each feature the logo of a specific service—U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps. and  U.S. Navy.  These three services were founded in 1775.  The theme of this year’s parade celebrates the 250th anniversary of each.

Submitted by Carl Nelson, Wellesley Celebrations Committee