APPLETON, Wis.— Friday served as a warmup for Saturday’s Flag Day Parade in Appleton.

The 2d Marine Division Band from Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, marched into Houdini Plaza in Appleton Friday to perform in front of a crowd for the first time since the pandemic began.

“We have folks in the crowd that haven’t seen their daughters or sons for over a year,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. William Mike. “We just feel so honored to be here today.”

For many in the crowd Friday the concert was the first in more than a year.

“It’s like summer in Appleton again,” said Emily Rashid.

Eric Stadler is on the Appleton Parade Committee. He says the parade marks a return to normal.

It's the state’s oldest Flag Day parade, it was canceled last year due to the pandemic.

“It is exhilarating to be back,” Stadler said. “I can’t think of a better word.”

The parade begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 12. The parade begins at the intersection of Wisconsin Ave. and N. Oneida St. The route travels west down W. Wisconsin Ave. to N. State St., north on N. State St. to W. College Ave. At W. College Ave. the parade travels east and ends at Drew St., according to the City of Appleton website.

Mike says the goal is for his Marines to spread love.

“We know we’re hardcore Marines and we ride tough, but we are humans and we do accept and give love, and that’s what this concert and tomorrow’s parade is truly about,” he said.