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Veterans Parade Seeks A Few Good Marchers

Tribune file photo by LOIS KINDLE

Members of Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 lead the annual Ruskin Veterans Day Parade.

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By LOIS KINDLE lkindle@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 15, 2008

RUSKIN - Organizers of the annual Veterans Day Parade need some volunteers, nonprofit groups and businesses to step forward to make this year's event a success.

The parade is sponsored by Ruskin Memorial VFW 6287 and the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce.

"It's a terrific way to promote your company or nonprofit group," said Melanie Morrison, the chamber's executive director. "It's also a great way to honor veterans and celebrate Ruskin's centennial."

Morrison said it really doesn't take much to participate. While some organizations like Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte De Berry or the South Shore Marauders have floats, others ride along in convertibles or the back of pickups.

"This is a community parade, where we have a little bit of everything," Morrison said. "We have marching bands, fire trucks, Scout troops, motorcyclists, even dogs in strollers. Make up a banner and walk along with us. All you need is a good pair of shoes."

All of the costs involved - law enforcement, permitting and this year, barricades - are paid by the VFW post.

Following the 1.9-mile route, which starts Second Avenue Southeast and ends at 19th Avenue Northeast, parade watchers and participants are invited to a picnic at the post, with burgers and hot dogs supplied by South Bay Hospital.

"Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 has been hosting the Veterans Day Parade at some level for over 60 years," said Bruce Scheller, parade chairman. "Honoring our nation's veterans for their service to our country is something other post members and I feel very passionate about.

"We enjoy partnering with the community to make this parade a huge success to honor our American heroes."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Veterans Day Parade

WHEN: 11 a.m. Nov. 8

STARTS: Second Avenue Southeast

ENDS: Near 19th Avenue Northeast

SPONSOR: Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287

INFORMATION: (813) 645-3410 or (813) 645-3808

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

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