East Canton council presses American Legion over Memorial Day parade route after safety concerns

Council and staff raised safety concerns about the American Legion’s proposed Memorial Day parade route through multiple state routes and cemetery areas, saying the traditional route requires closing several state highways and strains village public‑safety resources.

Chief and service staff proposed an alternate route that would keep most state routes open and concentrate spectators in a smaller area — reducing the need for multiple roadway closures and the manpower required. The council and chief described incidents the village experienced last year when motorists ignored barricades and drove through the parade route; staff said barricades and volunteer staffing alone did not reliably keep motorists out of the procession.

The Legion reportedly wants to retain the traditional route to pass by several cemeteries; council members said honoring veterans is important but expressed unwillingness to risk public safety. Council signaled consensus to press the Legion to accept the safer route and to explore contracting area‑wide traffic control or hiring temporary traffic personnel. Staff said the Legion has no funds to help and suggested the village might need to dedicate four traffic‑control personnel and contract additional support, with costs to be determined.

Council asked staff to deliver a clear message to the Legion at a scheduled meeting: accept the route change or face a likelihood the village will not provide the same level of logistical support. No formal vote to cancel the parade occurred; council said it would notify the Legion of the village’s safety expectations and return to council if funding or route changes are required.