As I mentioned earlier this week, I took lots of photos during Roanoke’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I am posting them in groups and this post is about honoring those that serve our towns, cities and country. I love how parades always include these groups that often go unrecognized for the work that they do. And there were plenty of groups in this year’s parade to honor.
The parade started with a trio of motorcyle policemen and women leading the way. They had to go very slowly and where we were watching the parade was a stopping point for everyone to pause while groups performed, etc. Since these guys were first, they stopped for several minutes and while they were stopped, they allowed children to sit on their bikes with them and pose for pictures. The parents were just as thrilled as the kids it seemed. I thought that was a cool thing to do. And how about the Shamrock flag decoration on the back?
The Veterans and different groups were spaced throughout the parade, but it was led off by the Marine Color Guard and then the Veterans. There were a lot of different Color Guards represented that day.
The Marines, the Roanoke City Police Department and the Roanoke Sheriff’s Department present the flags.
One of the local high school’s Junior ROTC, the USPS saluted our Female Veterans and the Regional Jail’s presentation.
Many other groups carried the flag along with other flags while they marched, including several reinactment groups and historical groups. I even saw a spectator with a flag and sign that read Long Live the United States.
There were a handful of Veterans marching this year and several that rode in jeeps. There are fewer of the WWII Vets each parade. I hope our younger Vets will follow their tradition.
The girls really liked the firetrucks. There were all kinds, too, from new to old.
I think I like the looks of the old ones, but like the way the new ones function! Hard to believe these trucks have been around so long.
It was fun to see and hear all of the trucks, firefighters, officers and Veterans. What was even better was the fact that as each group came through, they were applauded by the crowd. That kind of respect was wonderful to witness. Thanks to all that serve to protect us and keep us safe!
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