Veterans Day Parade, 11/11/2015

We learned that there was a Veterans Day Parade scheduled for 10 am in downtown Lake Havasu City. So, of course, we decided to check it out. John served in the Army and is a veteran of the Vietnam War and both of our dads served in the Navy during WWII (one in the Pacific and the other in the Atlantic Theater), so we frequently visit war memorials that we find throughout the U.S. 

The parade started downtown on McCulloch Blvd and ended at Wheeler Park. 

The sidewalks were lined with lots of people (including kids) waiting for the parade to begin. We learned that schools close each year here on Veterans Day so the kids can participate in festivities to honor veterans. 

The parade started with motorcycles and three-wheelers brandishing American flags and other patriot symbols.

Next were the color guards. 

The parade is sponsored by the local VFW. Being from the Philadelphia area, we really enjoyed the float with the Liberty Bell!

The Fire Department and Emergency Response Units were next.

Lake Havasu City is a huge boating community, so boats were used as "floats" by several organizations.

These jeeps reminded John of his Army days!

There is so much local support for veterans from the community here. 

Then came the baton twirlers and the high school marching band.

The Sheriff and Search & Rescue teams were well represented in the parade.

Some monster trucks...

Sadie particularly enjoyed the "Love on a Leash" group in the parade. And they were pretty interested in her, too.

And finally, there were lots of antique cars. Here are just a few. 

The festivities wrapped up at Wheeler Park. 

I can't remember when I have been to such a patriotic event. We had fun talking to the local folks, waving our flags and cheering on the participants in the parade. We all enjoyed it. Kudos to the community for their strong support of veterans.