If you care to join us acknowledging our blessings go here: Blue Panther
Friday was a perfect day for a parade -- it was 64 degrees in November! BUT the Veterans Day Parade was not Friday -- it was today, Saturday.
It rained and rained and rained. As you can tell from the photos, it was a very overcast day with lots of rain giving us just a few, short dry spells. I was happy that I could hold my umbrella with one hand and the camera with the other! I wouldn't miss the Veterans Day Parade for anything, just like the families standing around me and lining the streets of the parade route. Neither would 117 group entrants!!!!!!!!
Two fighter planes flew over and we knew that was the signal of the beginning of the parade. We also heard the cannons being shot off at Fort Vancouver Historic Reserve, just a few blocks away. Lots of people lined the parade routes hugging umbrellas and trying to stay warm. There were a few pauses in the parade as some entrants with shorter legs tried to catch up with the rest. I saw a lot of patient people today. I know why . . . its kinda like an unspoken reason and if you live in the United States, you probably understand what I mean.
The veterans that lined the streets with their families were not about to miss out on showing gratitude for those who continue to serve our city,state and country in the armed forces. CLICK to enlarge any of the photos to see better.
Pearson Airpark is represented here. This replica was a model built over a riding lawn mower and perfect reminder of the role the airfield played during World War II.
Some scouts are riding in this canoe. There were many Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts represented in the parade today.
We all need a reminder that we have troops that are serving abroad and we pray they come home safely SOON!
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."
"Freedom is not free. Thank you Veterans!"
Every military group was represented in the parade. I am a little partial to the Navy for good reasons -- two sons who are serving in it. I would include their photo but I think I did that back on July 4th.
Somehow I didn't get this one posted earlier. . . and I meant to include it. THIS bus is one of our local C-Tran buses that is on one route or another daily. The employees of C-Tran paid for the painting of the bus after 9-11 happened. It reminds us of our freedoms we enjoy living here daily. On Veteran's Day --or when the parade happens closest to Veterans Day --it carries disabled Americans who served in one of the armed forces so they can be a part of the parade efforts also.
Anyone that doesn't recognize this stance with the flag doesn't live in America! It brings goosebumps to my flesh to see them perform this reminder. It's my favorite photo from the parade.My blessings this week especially ARE the VETERANS who served and continue to serve our country.
Thank you!
