Resident Sue Tull, left, and Pocomoke City Councilwoman Esther Troast, center, receive a commendation on Monday for organizing a successful welcome home parade for Mayor Bruce Morrison.

By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(March 8, 2018) Pocomoke City Councilman Dale Trotter on Monday presented certificates of appreciation to Councilwoman Esther Troast and resident Sue Tull for having helped plan a recent surprise homecoming parade for Mayor Bruce Morrison.

“Last Sunday, our mayor was able to return home, and what he returned home to was probably the largest and greatest welcoming that I’ve ever seen in any community. That includes that time I spent here in Pocomoke and Worcester County [and] my time in the army throughout the country and throughout many different countries,” he said. “It was very heartfelt.

“I know, from speaking with Laura Morrison and the mayor [that] when they arrived in town it was very, very emotional for them,” Trotter continued. “The community just came together and it was absolutely wonderful.”

Troast, clearly surprised by the gesture, said “I can tell you all I didn’t do it for recognition.”

“We did it out of love,” she said.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a resident complained the parade was not announced in local churches.

Troast apologized and said the parade was almost exclusively promoted through Facebook.

“We did the best we could with the resources [they had], because Sue and I are definitely not parade planners,” she said. “For that, I do apologize. It was the first time I’ve ever done anything like this.

“I hope I never have to do it again, but if I should happen to rise to that occasion I will make sure that the churches are notified. I’m very, very apologetic about that.”