For Immediate Release: 11/15/2023
O’CONNELL ANNOUNCES TAUNTON AREA VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION AS 2023 CHRISTMAS PARADE GRAND MARSHALS
Taunton, MA…. Today, Mayor Shaunna O’Connell and the Taunton Christmas Parade Committee announced the Taunton Area Vietnam Veterans Association (TAVVA) has been chosen as the 2023 Grand Marshals of the Taunton Christmas Parade to be held on Sunday, December 3rd at noon. In 2023, TAVVA celebrated
40 years of service and support to Taunton’s Veterans and their families.
“It is my pleasure to share that TAVVA will be the Grand Marshals at this year’s Taunton Christmas Parade. For 40 years, the members of TAVVA have demonstrated outstanding service to our community and have committed themselves to uplifting Taunton’s Veterans and their families,” said O’Connell. “The City of Taunton is honored to recognize TAVVA’s longstanding advocacy in our community and show our deep appreciation for their service.”
TAVVA is a non-profit organization established in 1983 by five Vietnam War Veterans and one Korean War Veteran. TAVVA is dedicated to improving conditions for Vietnam War Veterans and all Veterans, promoting positive education on the Vietnam War, assisting in the needs of Veterans and their families, and ensuring the continued remembrance of all fallen servicemen and women as well as those still listed as missing in action.
Each year, TAVVA organizes several annual events and activities that bring together the community to honor and remember Taunton’s fallen heroes and to sustain the spirit of remembrance of Prisoners Of War and service members Missing In Action. Among their many contributions, TAVVA sponsors POW/MIA Remembrance Day, college scholarships, flag-raising ceremonies, a Chicken BBQ fundraiser, cruise nights, and Memorial Day wreath-placings throughout the City.
“Thank you to Mayor O’Connell for putting forth TAVVA for consideration in this year’s selection of the Christmas Parade Grand Marshal,” said Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner AJ Marshall. “What sets TAVVA apart is four attributes they exude in everything they do: respect, honor, class and dignity. This is what put TAVVA at the top of the list this year, and the Committee felt strongly that they were the ideal embodiment of the holiday spirit to lead this year’s parade.”
As Grand Marshals of the Christmas Parade, TAVVA will lead the procession, representing the spirit of camaraderie and resilience that defines our community’s local heroes. TAVVA's commitment to service, both during their time in active duty and in their continued contributions to the community exemplifies the values of the holiday season.
The 2023 Taunton Christmas Parade will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023 beginning at noon. The route will start at 239 Broadway and end at City Hall, 15 Summer Street. For additional information regarding the Taunton Christmas Parade, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 508-821-1415 or refer to the City of Taunton website (
taunton-ma.gov) or Facebook page. ###