The Greater Glenside Patriotic Association was given a Pennsylvania State Grant of $50,000 during the “Keep the Parade Running” 5K event over the weekend.

A check was presented by Pennsylvania State Representative Ben Sanchez, who helped the GGPA obtain the grant. All funds raised go directly toward supporting the events, officials said.

“For 122 years the Abington and Cheltenham, Glenside communities have supported a 4th of July celebration through donations from residents and local businesses,” Ellen Staerk, GGPA Fundraising Chair, said. “These events foster a spirit of unity, patriotism and community spirit. The Greater Glenside Patriotic Association is very grateful to Rep. Ben Sanchez for his commitment to our community! The grant will go a long way to help defer the cost for our annual Memorial Day Service, held in partnership with the North Penn VFW, and to insure the 122 Glenside Independence Day Parade and events will take place this year.”

This year’s July 4 events include a program for children at Renninger Park.

“The Glenside parade this year includes bands from all over the country and in addition to honoring military service members, we will recognize the 70+ fire companies that battled the fire at SPS,” Staerk said. “Each fire company is invited to participate in the parade with a fire truck. The day will end with fireworks at the Abington high school campus.”

In related news, on Memorial Day, in partnership with the North Penn VFW Post 676, the GGPA will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII by inviting families and friends of deceased WWII veterans to share their stories via a roundtable discussion.

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Photo: Ellen Staerk