The grand marshal of this year’s Canal Days parade has helped many Western Wayne kids learn about flags, softball, basketball and scouting.

David Siggers, who has a starring role in the festival’s 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, parade along U.S. 40, is widely recognized for the ways he assists the community through American Legion Post 169 and other organizations. 

“It’s going to feel odd not carrying the American flag and marching with my fellow members of the American Legion as they lead the Canal Days parade,” Siggers said. “It’s something I look forward to every year. But it’s an honor and a privilege to represent the community of Cambridge City as grand marshal.”

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David Siggers will be grand marshal of the Sept. 8 Canal Days parade. Supplied

Siggers said he was quite surprised when notified that he was selected, and appreciates being nominated.

“To be placed in the same category as past winners, like my good friend Bill Tyler last year, is special,” Siggers said.

Siggers has provided decades of community service. In 1999-2000, Siggers was Indiana’s detachment commander, leading 30,000 Legion members across the state.

However, he’s been focused on the local post and Sons of American Legion Squadron 169 in recent years, with roles including adjutant and finance officer.  

As part of that fiscal responsibility, Siggers screens donation requests before taking them to the executive board for approval. He said that about every organization or project in the community has received the Legion’s help, such as schools, churches, police and fire departments, Capitol Hill Cemetery, park playground equipment, veterans’ banners, and fireworks. 

Siggers’ favorite Legion program to promote is flag education for young children. He visits fourth-grade classrooms and teaches kids about respecting the flag as well its history and display etiquette. Siggers is proud that one local student won district and state competitions for her perfect score and outstanding essay. 

Beyond guiding kids through his Legion role, Siggers has taught them sports and other life skills. 

He was active in the Boy Scouts when the Post sponsored a troop. Siggers also coached, umpired and was president of Western Wayne Girls Softball League where his three daughters and his wife played.  He also coached elementary and middle school basketball and raised money for Riley Hospital for Children with annual walk-a-thons. 

In addition, Siggers serves on the council and as a trustee for Dublin Gospel Mission Church. He’s a life member of the Knights of Pythias. 

Siggers enjoys spending time with his wife, Angie, and their daughters and sons-in-law, Amanda (Rob) Weaver of New Castle, Jessica (Zac) Cronkhite of Indianapolis and Madison Siggers of Indianapolis, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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A version of this article appeared in the September 4 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.

Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.