By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald

Determined to not be sidelined by last year’s events that nearly stopped the parade before it began, Effingham Heroes has planned the 2023 Freedom Rings Parade for June 24 in Rincon.

The nearly two-mile route will start at Rincon Elementary at 10 a.m., march up Fort Howard Road to Hwy. 21, and end at Freedom Park on Prosperity Drive. The theme for 2023 is “Flag, Freedom, and Fireworks.”

To prevent a repeat of 2022

https://www.effinghamherald.net/local/breaking-news-dangerous-driver-intercepted-police-during-parade/

where a motorist attempted to drive through the parade, Chief Jonathon Murrell told the Rincon City Council at its regular meeting on May 22, “We will have all our hands on deck and we are asking for more to provide as much as we possibly can. We also got with the fire department. (Chief Lou Reed) is going to give us a couple of engines to help block intersections.”

Rincon K-9 officer Ian Gallagher is one of this year’s grand marshals. Gallagher was hailed a hero after he rammed his police cruiser head-on into the Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Anthony Rodriguez, and credited with possibly saving many lives.

Rodriguez was booked into Effingham County Jail charged with aggravated assault and is still awaiting trial.

Effingham Heroes is asking community commercial and non-profit organizations to consider participating in the parade. Commercial entrance fee is $25. Non-profits can participate at no charge. For more information and to obtain an entrance packet, call 912-675-0283, or email: effinghamheroes@gmail.com.