Charlie G. Hollenbach, 86, of Tamaqua has been named the grand marshal for this Saturday's Tamaqua Veterans Day Parade.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Hollenbach served during World War II as well as the Korean War.Since 1987, Hollenbach has served in many capacities with the Tamaqua American Legion, including commander, first vice commander, historian, chaplain, treasurer and dedicated volunteer."Hollenbach rarely misses a post function," said Ed Murphy, current first vice commander. "He is a man everyone looks up to.""It was about time," said auxiliary member Nancy Kabana, referring to Hollenbach's selection as grand marshal. "He definitely deserves it.""I plan on staying active until the good Lord takes me. When you take office at the Legion, you join for life," Hollenbach said. "It's a veteran thing.""He is a mentor that all members look up to," said legion member David Meredith. "He deserves it.""Charlie is a very kind, gentle and dedicated member of the post," said Ed Smith, past Legion Commander. "He is one hell of a guy."In addition to his volunteer work at the legion, Hollenbach is a life member of the VFW, and 41-year member of the Citizen's Fire Company and Tamaqua Fire Police.Hollenbach also expressed his love for his daughters, Rose Marie Matula and Lillian Betz, and his late wife, Lillian, who passed away in 2009.The parade is unique in that organizers encourage everyone to march, veterans and non-veterans alike, giving everyone the chance to show their support for America's military members, past, present and to come.No registration is needed to participate in the parade; participants should just show up by 9 a.m.Before the parade, members of the Tamaqua American Legion Honor Guard will fire a volley over the Tamaqua War Memorial, located next to the staging site. The parade will start at 10 a.m. and continue west on Broad Street through the borough, ending at the intersection of Lehigh Street.Parking will be restricted along the parade route to provide enough room for marchers and an unobstructed view for anyone watching the parade.Courtney Kovatch, Tamaqua's 2014 Poppy Queen, will also be walking the parade route, behind the Tamaqua American Legion Color Guard.For more information call 570-668-1234.