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Patriotism Flies High For Vets

LOIS KINDLE/Tampa Tribune

Sheila Singletary of Ruskin hoists her 20-month-old granddaughter Jullian Gifford so the child can see the parade over the others lining the streets.

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By LOIS KINDLE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 17, 2007

Updated: 11/15/2007 07:12 pm

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RUSKIN - It was a red, white and blue kind of day Nov. 10 as hundreds of people turned out for the annual Veterans Day parade along U.S. 41.

Veterans groups, marching bands, civic organizations and businesses joined the procession, which organizers said just about doubled last year's participation. The procession started at Fifth Street Southeast and headed 1.6 miles north to 19th Street.

"Approximately 60 community groups, plus veterans organizations and individuals - a total of more than 2,000 people - marched in the parade," said Shirley May, a member of VFW Memorial Post 6287's women's auxiliary. The post is the parade's sponsor.

She attributed the increase to the fact that the 2006 parade was on Veterans Day, which meant some veterans groups had other commitments.

"But that wasn't the case this year," she said. "We had great weather and a terrific turnout. We're exhausted but proud."

As children scampered for strings of beads and bits of candy thrown by passing "pirates," many adults viewed the proceedings from lawn chairs and truck beds.

"It's a good, family event," said Alan Payne of Ruskin, who came with his wife, Rita, and three children - Marshall, 15, Russell, 10, and Tara, 5. "Everyone gets together in support of the veterans and the entire community."

"It's a local event and such fun for children," said Brandy Zipperer, also of Ruskin, who was there with her husband, Chuck, and children, Jules, 6, and Elvis, 7 months. "It's a wonderful way to support our veterans and troops."

Sitting in a wheelchair with several of her Sun Towers neighbors, 82-year-old Vera Watson had a blast.

"It's absolutely fantastic, just beautiful," she said. "I like seeing people appreciate our veterans. I have so much appreciation for them - tons of it."

William Wilson, 98, agreed.

"I really enjoyed it," he said. "I enjoyed it all."

The parade is a Post 6287 partnership with the community to honor veterans and foster patriotism, said Bruce Scheller, the post's commander. The organization has hosted an event or ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day for 60 years.

This year's daylong celebration included an 8:30 a.m. dedication at the post, 5120 U.S. 41 N., to recognize more than 4,000 servicemen and -women who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. It included a memorial with 77 crosses and 77 flags, built and erected by Boy Scout Zachary Kiser and other members of Troop 601. Each flag and cross represented 50 casualties.

Following the parade, the post hosted an awards ceremony that included music by DJ Gary, an old-fashioned cookout hosted by the auxiliary, children's activities provided by Space Walk of Bradenton and Space Walk of Brandon.

Co-grand marshals of the parade were Delana Oliver and Walter Pearson, both World War II veterans.

VETERANS DAY PARADE AWARDS

GRAND MARSHAL'S CHOICE: Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry

MOST INNOVATIVE/ PATRIOTIC: Beanie's Family Sports Grill

BEST COMMERCIAL BUSINESS: Mustang Fitness

BEST AMERICAN YOUTH GROUP: Destiny Church

MARCHING FOR AMERICA: Eisenhower Middle School marching band

VETERANS DAY SPECIALTY VEHICLE: Apollo Beach Chamber of Commerce

BEST FLOAT: Rough Riders

BUDDY POPPY KING: Nicholas Reinke, Doby Elementary School

BUDDY POPPY QUEEN: Becky Smith, Apollo Beach Elementary School

BUDDY POPPY RUNNERS-UP: Jack Farrington, Apollo Beach Elementary School; Savannah Bolender, Ruskin Christian School; Cameron Fountain, Doby Elementary School

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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