Police departments, honor guards, bands and community organizations marched two miles from Middletown into Newport on Sunday for the 41st Aquidneck Island National Police Parade.
The procession stepped off at 11:50 a.m. in front of the Hampton Inn and Suites at 317 West Main Road in Middletown, heading south on West Main Road and continuing down Broadway from One Mile Corner before passing the reviewing stand in Washington Square.
The annual parade honors fallen officers and recognizes law enforcement past, present and future. An opening ceremony preceded the march, and participating departments were judged in categories including best cruiser, best uniform and best honor guards.
Spectators lined the route along Broadway and Washington Square, where the city closed streets to vehicular traffic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and suspended parking from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Broadway, Washington Square, Duke Street and Charles Street. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority detoured Routes 60, 63 and 67 from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate the parade.
The annual event has previously drawn high-profile participants including the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the New Mexico State Police and the Illinois State Police, along with departments from across New England. Community groups including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, the Rhode Island Shriners, the Thompson Middle School Band and the Rogers High School Band have also been part of past parades.
Photos from Sunday’s parade are featured in the accompanying gallery, courtesy of Justin Walker/What’sUpNewp.
