1984 Memorial Day Parade Scrapbook

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 2024-002

Staff Only

Content Description

A scrapbook documenting the controversy over and ultimate cancellation of Rochester's annual Memorial Day Parade in 1984. The scrapbook's contents include extensive newspaper clippings, photographic prints, and a small number of original documents. The scrapbook was created by Robert Dardano, Sr., a World War II and Korean War veteran who formerly was the chair of the Rochester Veterans Memorial and Executive Council.

Dates

Creation: April-May 1984

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Biographical / Historical

Rochester, New York has held an annual Memorial Day parade since 1868. By the latter part of the 20th century it was organized under the auspices of the Veterans Memorial and Executive Council. In 1984, Rochester Women's Action for Peace, a pacifist organization, led an attempt by several Rochester-area disarmament groups to march in the parade. As a result of the their request, a controversy broke out over whether or not such groups were appropriate to take part in the parade. After weeks of discussion, the Veterans Memorial and Executive Council cancelled the parade on May 16, 1984, stating that the pacifist and disarmament groups were incompatible with the intent of the parade. The Women's Action for Peace continued with planning their own parade, which took place on Memorial Day (May 28, 1984) and involved many other peace groups, along with the local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter. In 1985, the groups reconciled and put put on a joint parade.

The scrapbook was created by Robert Dardano, Sr., a World War II and Korean War veteran who was a member of the Veterans Memorial and Executive Council in 1984. Dardano was also a member of the Italian Civic League and a one-time Republican candidate for Monroe County Legislature. Later, in the early 2000s, he served as chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee planning the new memorial in the rebuilt Community War Memorial arena.

Extent

0.125 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection consists of 1 box.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Robert Dardano, Jr., 2022.

Bibliography

Cook, Joyce. "Finding Faraway Grave Site Brings Home a Family's Loss," Democrat & Chronicle (newspaper), Rochester, New York. May 30, 2005, page 13.

Galante, David. "Planners at Work on Columbus Day, 1992," Democrat & Chronicle (newspaper), Rochester, New York. July 24, 1985, page 3.

Hand, Jon. "Vets Accuse Arena of Snub," Democrat & Chronicle (newspaper), Rochester, New York. May 27, 1995, page 4.

"Memorial Day Parade Rift is Over," Democrat & Chronicle (newspaper), Rochester, New York. May 20, 1985, page 3.

Negrea, Sherrie. "Vets Vow to Fight Arena's Renaming," Democrat & Chronicle (newspaper), Rochester, New York. March 06, 1996, page 4.

Condition Description

The scrapbook is in fair condition.

Processing Information

Scrapbook was received as a vinyl-covered three-ring binder with newspaper clippings loosely inserted into non-archival sleeves. The scrapbook was rehoused into an archival binder in a box using archival sleeves. Clippings were mounted to backing paper with archival adhesive before being sleeved.