The James L. Hammons Detachment 939 of the Marine Corps League will sponsor its 11th annual Memorial Day parade Saturday in downtown Aiken.

"This is a way for us to show and encourage patriotism," said Jim Morris, the parade coordinator.

About 75 entries are expected at the event, which begins at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Union Street and Park Avenue. It continues west to Laurens Street and ends at Barnwell Avenue.

This year's theme is Fallen But Not Forgotten Lest We Forget.

A special entry into the parade is the mine resistant ambush protected vehicle, which is manufactured by Force Protection Industries, of Charleston, S.C. The vehicle is designed to protect troops in Iraq from improvised explosive devices.

Other entries include a float featuring wounded soldiers from Fort Gordon.

There will be a color guard with representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Also, area veterans groups, such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, will participate.

State Rep. Robert "Skipper" Perry will be the grand marshal.

"Since he's not running again, we thought it would be a nice way to honor him," Mr. Morris said.

Aiken High School band Director Joe Laorenza has brought together musicians from other Aiken County high schools to form a special parade band.

Mr. Morris said that between 8,000 and 10,000 people attend the event, depending on the weather.