What a parade it was!
By LOIS KINDLE
Thousands of people lined U.S. 41 last Saturday to watch the Ruskin VFW Post 6287’s annual Veterans Day Parade.
Organizers said by all accounts the procession was a huge success. Three former military servicemen who collectively had performed more than 9,000 jumps parachuted from a plane to kick things off.
This year’s panel of judges included Lee Calvin, Jim and Pamela Vassello, Chris and Lydia Carothers, Tom Callahan and Hugh Moore. Winning entries in six categories were announced at an after-party at the post. They were East Bay High School/Eisenhower Middle School Marching Band, Best American Youth Group; TECO, Best Commercial Entry; Krewe of the Sea SaveYours, Most Innovative; Krewe of the USA, American Tribute Award; SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, Veterans Day Specialty; and Krewe of Charlotte de Berry, Grand Marshal’s Choice (Best Overall).
“Everyone came back and said it was the biggest crowd we ever had,” said Lois McBride, president of the post’s Ladies Auxiliary.