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Honoring our veterans

Staff file photo by Lois Kindle

Several area high school's Jr. ROTC program — including East Bay — routinely participate in the Ruskin Veterans Day parade.

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: November 11, 2009

RUSKIN - Veterans Day festivities will last well into the weekend in South Shore.

Area residents seeking to honor the men and women who have served our country need only travel to downtown Ruskin on Saturday.

That will be the site of the Veterans Day Parade, hosted by the Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287, 5120 U.S. 41 N.

"It's certainly one of our biggest and most important events every year," said Shirley May, who has co-chaired the current version of the parade along with her partner, Bruce Scheller, since 2002.

May said the Ruskin VFW has hosted some version of the Veterans Day parade for more than 60 years.

The event, which is free, will start at 11 a.m. and will follow a 1.6-mile route along U.S. 41 from Fifth Avenue Southeast to 19th Avenue Northeast.

"I really hope the parade, and the holiday in general, fosters patriotism for people of all ages," May said. "One of my favorite parts of the event is seeing kids waving their little flags and honoring the veterans."

The grand marshal for this year's parade will be John Santosuoffo, a prisoner of war during World War II. The event will also serve as a showcase for area businesses and organizations.

Jim McCallister, commander of the Ruskin VFW, said there were more than 50 entries from groups wanting to take part in the parade.

"A few of them will have floats, and most of them will ride in cars and trucks or on foot," McCallister said. "People like to get involved any way they can."

After the last marcher has completed the route, people are invited to the Ruskin VFW, where there will be food, music and awards for the best floats and most-spirited groups.

"This really is a great event for the whole family and a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate our country and our veterans," May said.

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 627-4762.

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