Members of the Charles T. Norwood American Legion Post 157 were honored to participate in the 81st Annual ABC11 Crossroads Ford Raleigh Christmas Parade, presented by Shop Local Raleigh. The parade commenced in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, on November 22, 2025. The first Raleigh Christmas Parade was held on Sat., Nov. 25, 1939, and has been a beloved community event since it began. Shortly after it’s inception, the parade was put on hiatus during WWII before resuming in 1945. The Greater Raleigh Merchants Association has had the honor of organizing the Raleigh Christmas Parade since 1944. The event often highlights community groups and local talent, showcasing everything from youth organizations to cultural dance troupes, giving it a distinct local flavor. NC State legend Dereck Whittenburg was honored as the Grand Marshal for the 81st Annual ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade. The Grand Marshal is an annual distinction bestowed upon an individual or group that has made a substantial impact on the community. The Raleigh Christmas Parade is one of the oldest holiday parades in the Southeast. Each year, Santa and Mrs. Claus on their sleigh-driven float conclude the parade, which signals the start of Christmas celebrations in the Triangle.

 

 

Post Commander Gabriel Carr and Post Chaplain Willie Pulley.

 

 

Legionnaire Henry Horne, Mrs Geneva Langston, Post 157 Auxiliary Unit Vice President, Post Commander Gabriel Carr and Post Chaplain Willie Pulley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post Chaplain Willie Pulley, Historian James Whitaker, and Ms. Bailey Robertson and Finance Officer Michael Parrott.

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia Alston Harris, The American Legion National Internal Affairs Commission Chairman, Mrs Geneva Langston, Post 157 Auxiliary Unit Vice President and Post Chaplain Willie Pulley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Shaw, Parliamentarian, Post Commander Gabriel Carr and Mrs Geneva Langston, Post 157 Auxiliary Unit Vice President.

 

 

 

 

Santa and Mrs. Claus and Patricia Alston Harris, The American Legion National Internal Affairs Commission Chairman.

 

 

Post Chaplain Willie Pulley, Patricia Alston Harris, The American Legion National Internal Affairs Commission Chairman, Mrs Geneva Langston, Post 157 Auxiliary Unit Vice President, Legionnaire Henry Horne and Historian James Whitaker.

 

 

Santa and Mrs. Claus with Ms Bailey Robertson and Ms Laila McLean.

 

Santa and Mrs. Claus with Mr Ishmael McLean, Ms Bailey Robertson and Ms Laila McLean.

 

L to R: Patricia Alston Harris, The American Legion National Internal Affairs Commission Chairman, Mrs Geneva Langston, Post 157 Auxiliary Unit Vice President, Parliamentarian Michael Shaw, Mr Ishmael McLean, Ms Bailey Robertson and Ms Laila McLean.

 

 

Mr Ishmael McLean, Ms Bailey Robertson and Ms Laila McLean

 

Post Chaplain Willie Pulley, Legionnaire Henry Horne, Parliamentarian Michael Shaw, Patricia Alston Harris, The American Legion National Internal Affairs Commission Chairman, Mrs Geneva Langston, Post 157 Auxiliary Unit Vice President, Finance Officer Michael Parrott. Seated: Mr Ishmael McLean, Ms Bailey Robertson and Ms Laila McLean.

 

 

 

 

 

The gangs all here: Post Commander Gabriel Carr, Parliamentarian Michael Shaw, Legionnaire Henry Horne, Post Chaplain Willie Pulley, Finance Officer Michael Parrott, Historian James Whitaker, Ms Bailey Robertson, Mrs Geneva Langston, Post 157 Auxiliary Unit Vice President, Mr Ishmael McLean and Patricia Alston Harris, The American Legion National Internal Affairs Commission Chairman.

 

 

 

Finance Officer Michael Parrott with his grandkids at the 81st Annual ABC11 Crossroads Ford Raleigh Christmas Parade. Mr Ishmael McLean, Ms Bailey Robertson and Ms Laila McLean.

 

Santa and Mrs. Claus and Patricia Alston Harris, The American Legion National Internal Affairs Commission Chairman.

 

The gangs all here: Post Chaplain Willie Pulley, Legionnaire Henry Horne, Parliamentarian Michael Shaw, Patricia Alston Harris, The American Legion National Internal Affairs Commission Chairman, Mrs Geneva Langston, Post 157 Auxiliary Unit Vice President, Post Commander Gabriel Carr, Historian James Whitaker, Mr Ishmael McLean, Finance Officer Michael Parrott, seated: Ms Bailey Robertson and Ms Laila McLean.

 

Historian James Whitaker capturing the moments to remember of the 81st Annual ABC11 Crossroads Ford Raleigh Christmas Parade.

 

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