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By PENNY FLETCHER
penny@observernews.net
South County residents of all ages showed their patriotism and appreciation Nov. 14 when event organizers say between 6,000 and 8,000 people lined U.S. 41 in Ruskin to view a parade honoring veterans and current military service personnel, law enforcement officers and firefighters.
The line of bystanders, sometimes four and five persons deep, stretched from College Avenue to Ruskin VFW Post 6287, located at 5120 N. U.S. 41; encompassing all of Ruskin’s downtown area and several blocks to its north.
Adults and children of all ages waved flags, shouted, clapped and caught beads thrown by people riding on floats.
It took more than an hour and 15 minutes for the parade to pass because of its size, with 88 entries under the leadership of Grand Marshall John Santosuosso, a Covington Park resident who was a prisoner of war in World War II and Master of Ceremonies Bill McConnell of the VFW.
All facets of the surrounding communities were represented, including the Sun City Center Shrine Club and the Manatee County Red Hatters. But mostly, floats were built, decorated and manned by Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Gibsonton and Riverview residents.
A panel of judges made up of 12 area residents and business persons judged the entries on various points and totaled them to arrive at a winner’s list, said Shirley May who co-chaired the parade with her husband, Bruce Schiller.
The Grand Marshall’s Choice Award, which stands for the Best Overall display went to Rough Riders, Inc.
Other winners were: Veterans Day Special Entry, First Baptist Church of Ruskin; Best Commercial Entry, Beanie’s Family Sports Grill; Best American Youth Group, East Bay High School ROTC; American Tribute Award, Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry; and the Most Innovative Award (based on a special effort for honoring veterans) went to the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce.
Every branch of military service had a decorated golf cart and flew its flag. Many firefighters, ambulances and sheriff’s deputies’ cars also paraded.
Following the parade, VFW Canteen Manager Gene Wren reported feeding about 250 people at the Post, which is under the command of Jim McCallister.
The Post offered its gratitude to Mickey Mixon of The Observer News for having bought the 25 new metal flag holders that allowed flags to be placed along U.S. 41 as the former flag holders were deemed to be no longer useable. All torn or tattered flags were also replaced by local donors.
Later, at the Post, an awards ceremony was held recognizing four student essayists for their writings on “Patriotism.”
The two First Place winners, Buddy Poppy King Cole Anderson and Buddy Poppy Queen Miranda Powell, as well as their runners-up, Conner Boersma and Kaitlyn Godfrey, were all from Apollo Beach Elementary School.
“This contest was developed several years ago to get 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students aware of and involved with patriotism,” said May. “The winners get crowns and sashes and a $100 savings bond each.”
More results for patriotic writing and good teaching will be announced at a dinner at the Post Nov. 21 at 4 p.m., May (who is chairwoman of that event) said. “These are annual awards we have been giving out for years- into the thousands of dollars.”
Winners in the high school-aged essay contest, Voice of Democracy, sponsored by the Post will be announced, as well as winners in the middle school-aged student contest, Patriot’s Pen. Three Teachers of the Year will also be announced, along with the reasons they were nominated, May added.
“One (teacher) will be from elementary, one from middle school and another from high school. There will also be about 20 students present,” she said. “We would love to see people from the community come out and support these worthy individuals that day.”
People may come for the Awards Ceremony at 4 p.m. or they may come for the ceremony and stay for the dinner (possibly self paid depending upon turn-out.)
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