1984 Memorial Day Parade Scrapbook, April-May 1984

Summary

Extent:
0.125 Cubic Feet
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

1984 Memorial Day Parade Scrapbook. [box 1]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Background

Scope and content:

A scrapbook documenting the controversy over and ultimate cancellation of Rochester's annual Memorial Day Parade in 1984. The scrapbook's contents include extensive newspaper clippings, photographic prints, and a small number of original documents. The scrapbook was created by Robert Dardano, Sr., a World War II and Korean War veteran who formerly was the chair of the Rochester Veterans Memorial and Executive Council.

Biographical / historical:

Rochester, New York has held an annual Memorial Day parade since 1868. By the latter part of the 20th century it was organized under the auspices of the Veterans Memorial and Executive Council. In 1984, Rochester Women's Action for Peace, a pacifist organization, led an attempt by several Rochester-area disarmament groups to march in the parade. As a result of the their request, a controversy broke out over whether or not such groups were appropriate to take part in the parade. After weeks of discussion, the Veterans Memorial and Executive Council cancelled the parade on May 16, 1984, stating that the pacifist and disarmament groups were incompatible with the intent of the parade. The Women's Action for Peace continued with planning their own parade, which took place on Memorial Day (May 28, 1984) and involved many other peace groups, along with the local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter. In 1985, the groups reconciled and put put on a joint parade.

The scrapbook was created by Robert Dardano, Sr., a World War II and Korean War veteran who was a member of the Veterans Memorial and Executive Council in 1984. Dardano was also a member of the Italian Civic League and a one-time Republican candidate for Monroe County Legislature. Later, in the early 2000s, he served as chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee planning the new memorial in the rebuilt Community War Memorial arena.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Robert Dardano, Jr., 2022.
Processing information:

Scrapbook was received as a vinyl-covered three-ring binder with newspaper clippings loosely inserted into non-archival sleeves. The scrapbook was rehoused into an archival binder in a box using archival sleeves. Clippings were mounted to backing paper with archival adhesive before being sleeved.

Arrangement:

This collection consists of 1 box.

Physical description:
The scrapbook is in fair condition.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Preferred citation:

1984 Memorial Day Parade Scrapbook. [box 1]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Location of this collection:
Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
585-428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org