FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 2, 2026

For More Information Contact:
Sharon Swehla
Tourism Director
660.665.2003

Grgurich, Fraser lead Red, White and Blue Parade as Grand Marshal, Junior Grand Marshal

(Kirksville, MO) - Ahead of Saturday’s Red, White and Blue Parade, the City of Kirksville wants to recognize the dignitaries leading the way.

Gene Grgurich serves as this year’s Grand Marshal, and Bennett Fraser will be the Junior Grand Marshal.

Grgurich is a lifelong native of the area. He joined the Missouri National Guard after graduating from Kirksville High School in 1970. He then dedicated 35.5 years of service before retiring in 2005.

When Grgurich joined the Missouri National Guard, his father, Jakie, was a member of the unit. At one point, there were five Grgurich men in the unit at the same time. Jakie set a strong example for the family when it came to service.

“Dad was a World War II vet, so he had seen a lot of hard times,” Grgurich said. “Dad was always a head of the firing (party) and things for the funeral procession, military funerals, parades, and things like that. He was a true patriot.

“It was neat. As I went up the ranks, and dad being the First Sergeant, he was charging me at home and then charging me at the unit.”

The National Guard took Grgurich all over Missouri and into other states, but he spent many days at the Rieger Armory in Kirksville. He went from packing ammunition and powder as a Private to working his way up the ranks to First Sergeant.

Grgurich isn’t a stranger to being at the front of the Red, White and Blue Parade. His restored 1955 Thunderbird has been the Grand Marshal vehicle, with him often driving for those occasions. He’ll be in the backseat this time with a family member driving the car.
 
Fraser is Kirksville High School’s Class of 2026 recipient of the Tiger Award. That award is given annually to a graduating student who exemplifies the best qualities of a KHS student.

Fraser recently completed an impressive athletics career for the Tigers. He was a two-time state discus champion and a two-time first-team all-state offensive lineman for the Tigers football team.

He has committed to play football at Kansas State University.

As a reminder, the Red, White and Blue Parade will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 4, in Downtown Kirksville. For a full schedule of the Red, White and Blue Festival, head to VisitKirksville.com.

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