ALTON - Sam Roberts, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Reserve sergeant major and owner of Roberts Motors, served as grand marshal of the Alton Memorial Day Parade, an honor parade organizers said was in recognition of his military service and commitment to the community.
Parade Chairman Greg Erler said the committee “unanimously and enthusiastically” wanted to honor Roberts for “his service to our country and unwavering commitment to our community.”
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Steve Schwartz, a spokesperson for the East End Improvement Association and one of the Alton Memorial Day Parade's spokespersons, said Roberts’ selection was fitting.
“He served 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a sergeant major. It was an honor to have him as the parade marshal,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz also said, “The father and son were together in the parade in the vehicle; it was well deserved.”
Roberts served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1961 to 1991 and retired from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1991 at the rank of sergeant major, the highest noncommissioned rank. He graduated from Marquette Catholic High School in 1958.
Roberts has been the owner of Roberts Motors since 1967. Parade organizers described Roberts, his wife, Sharon, and Roberts Motors as supporters of Lewis and Clark Community College and as committed to philanthropic and charitable causes in the community.
“Sam Roberts is the marshal. He has done so much for the community as the owner of Roberts Ford and his time as a Marine,” Schwartz said.
John Roberts drove a vehicle showcasing his father in the parade.
Schwartz said organizers were “proud to have him.”
