“I love a parade, the tramping of feet,
I love every beat I hear of a drum.
I love a parade, when I hear a band
I just want to stand and cheer as they come.”

Thousands of people will be singing that tune Sunday as the 43rd annual Flag Day Parade gets under way at 1 p.m. in the Collar City.
I am proud to kick off my blog, “From the Editor’s Desk,” on such a big weekend here in Troy.
Having worked at The Record for almost 34 years (I started as an intern on June 15, 1976, three weeks after earning my journalism degree from St. Bonaventure University), I’ve enjoyed many Flag Day Parades over the years.
To me, one of the most impressive things about the parade is the people who labor behind the scenes year-round to put on this massive annual production for all of us to enjoy.
Over the years, it has been a pleasure to work on coverage plans with Ed Verrillo and John Kacharian, both of whom have died in recent years, as well as Joe Killeen and Jerry Weaver. So many times they told me it was their privilege to carry on the work of the late Jimmy Pasinella, the parade founder. In recent years, I've enjoyed working with Cindy Bizaro-Wilson and Ed Manny, president of the Flag Day Committee.
All of these people — and the other committee members — put their hearts and souls into this annual tribute to our nation’s flag.
Come check out the parade on Sunday as it moves along Fourth Street into downtown Troy with its many bands and marchers. The Record will be there with a vehicle in the parade and some of our employees will be passing out free Sunday papers along the parade route.
If by chance you happen to see Ed, Cindy, Jerry or any other parade committee member, please thank them for all they do and congratulate them on a job well done.