The Merrill City Band is waking up from hibernation a little earlier this year. The usual start of the band’s season is Memorial Day, but with the Loyalty Day Ceremony being held in Merrill this year, the band is coming alive.
On Saturday, April 29, 2023, the City Band will put on a concert at the Expo Center beginning at noon, one hour before the Loyalty Day Ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m. The Merrill City Band program will include patriotic music, marches, and more.
There will be a lunch at the Expo Center starting at 10:00 a.m. and the Loyalty Day Parade will begin from the Merrill Festival Grounds at 10:30 a.m., along with other events planned for the day.
Loyalty Day was first celebrated in 1921 and was observed as a recurring national holiday by congress in 1958. It is a day set aside for individuals to reaffirm allegiance to the United States and recognize the heritage of American freedom. Each year, the Wisconsin VFW bestows the honor to one city to host the celebration of Loyalty Day. The City of Merrill and Merrill VFW Post 1638 and Auxiliary are honored to be hosting it this year.