Happy Veterans Day

[Ocklawaha]

If your money doesn't look like this, thank a veteran! To all of our veterans, "Thank you for your service to our country."


Saying goodbye to a buddy.


American valor, An army medic cares for a German officer.


Hell on a Beachhead.


CL65 the USS Pasadena entering Pearl Harbor, my father was a "Plank Owner," and served aboard her in The Battle of The Philippine Sea, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and finally the invasion of Japan.


Instant Memorial.


Over the Sky's of Vietnam


Marine Patrol Vietnam


Afganistan

[Ocklawaha]

Don't miss the parade downtown, today at 11 am. The route is from the TU Center on Water to Newnan Street to East Bay Street, ending at Metropolitan Park. See you there!

[Ocklawaha]

Over 7,000 people participated in the parade today in downtown.

Led by Governor Scott and Mayor Brown, both on foot, pressing the flesh, kissing babies, having family photos taken etc. the parade was a great and emotional event.

History buff's would have been wowed by several elements... One of the largest collection's of WWII era Jeep's. Then one of the railroad contractors participated with a brand-new full size replica of a WWII era STUART LIGHT TANK. Amazing how small they really were. A fully restored Army 'Half-Track' and WWII era transport trucks made the parade unforgettable. An exhibit near and dear to me was the local Kirby Smith Camp of the Son's of Confederate Veterans, pulling a trailer with a replica of the CSS Hunley, the first successful submarine. The Buffalo Soldiers and motorcycle riders were a sight to see. The Navy band led the majority of the parade sections with some excellent sounds. All of the veterans present expressed that we have never had so many people come up and shake our hands and simply say "Thank you for your service to our country."

I was humbled nearly to the point of tears when several of the officers both retired and active duty thew me a snappy salute which I returned with a "Thank you sir." The ones that left me speechless were the WWII and Korean Conflict veterans saluting me. REALLY? Compared to the many of us, these guys are literal 'god's and generals.'  I only wish I could have spent a few hours chatting up their stories, but somehow I think there is a future MJ story in all of this.

Oddly, the Masonic Lodge didn't have but a tiny participation in this, bringing up the very rear of the march with a couple of dune buggies and a handful of clowns.

Suggestion for next year? Since the Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force and Guard units all participate, why not line up a fly over of various military and Coast Guard aircraft. The services will do this free of charge but the application does need some healthy lead time.

To all of my fellow veterans, and to all of you that came out and wished us well. THANK YOU!