Lisa Stark photos.
The Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 once again held its annual Veterans Day Parade last Saturday, Nov. 14, through Ruskin along U.S. 41, as delighted parade-goers caught beads and goodies thrown from floats filled with pirates, sailors, roughriders and other patriots.
The parade commemorated Veterans Day with the help of local youth, civic and community organizations, krewes and businesses. Thousands of flag-waving South Shore residents lined the parade route to see more than 70 parade entrants, which included veterans groups, color guards, Scout troops, high school bands, and pirate floats armed with beads to adorn the spectators.
This year the grand marshal of the parade was Walter Pearson, a World War II veteran who will soon be celebrating his 100th birthday.
The Ruskin Memorial Post 6287 Color Guard carried the U.S. flag along U.S. 41 as veterans from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and Desert Storm marched and rode on colorful floats along the parade route.
“It’s a chance to honor all of those veterans who never felt appreciated or recognized for their service to our country,” said Shirley May, co-organizer of the parade.
After the parade, the VFW provided free food and fun at Post 6287, which also hosted an awards ceremony that included Baskets of Cheer, a 50/50 raffle, karaoke, and the selection of the new Buddy Poppy King and Queen, judged by essays from local elementary students titled “Why I like Being an American. ”
“Today is an important day for the community to come together to honor our veterans and let them know that their sacrifices for our country have not gone unnoticed,” said Steve Latchford, commander of VFW Post 6287.
