The Memorial Day parade on May 30, 1969, in downtown Butler drew spectators on both sides of the street to see the General Butler Vagabonds. Butler Eagle file photo

Memorial Day in the City of Butler has been a widely observed holiday for decades, with hundreds to thousands of people crowding Main Street’s sidewalks to view the annual downtown parade.

Constant features of the parade include the General Butler Vagabonds, pictured in the 1969 parade photo, and Butler High School cheerleaders, pictured in the 1970 parade photo.

The parades during both years ended with a program at Diamond Park, where viewers heard from speakers who honored deceased members of the military who had lived in the county.

The Butler High School Golden Tornado Marching Band march through downtown Butler during the Memorial Day Parade on May 30, 1969. Butler Eagle file photo

Among those marching in the Memorial Day parade on May 30, 1970, were Butler High School Sequinettes. Butler Eagle file photo