By Seth Daniel
The annual Girl Scout Parade will have Diana Ramirez – a Gold Star Mother – riding at the front of the line this year as she honors her son, the late Sgt. Nelson Rodriguez, as the 2016 Parade Marshal.
The Parade, which starts at 8 a.m. at Welsh Funeral Home on Broadway, will be followed by official Memorial Day Exercises at City Hall at 9 a.m.
Ramirez is the mother of Sgt. Nelson Rodriguez, who was killed in combat while serving in Afghanistan in June 2008.
The annual Parade is planned and organized by the girls of the various Chelsea Girl Scout troops. The Girl Scouts in the city have grown from a few dedicated girls just five years ago to become one of the largest activities for girls in the city.
The Girl Scouts want to encourage all local organizations to walk in the parade and for residents to come show their support for veterans and their families. Organizations that are walking should meet in the parking lot of Welsh Funeral Home, 713 Broadway, by 8 a.m. The parade route goes from the funeral home down Broadway to Chelsea City Hall, where the Memorial Day Celebration will take place.