Haley Bugle , 27 November 2024 , 1st Edition TampaVA ’ s 16th Annual Veterans Day Parade Honors Service
and danced to a variety of music .
The master of ceremonies , Shawn Hogan , health systems specialist for quality management service and event coordinator , kept the flow going throughout . For the first time including a scheduled flyover of a KC- 135 Stratotanker – an aerial refueling tanker , the parade turned out to be a huge success .
By Alex Ramos , Public Affairs , November 14 , 2024
Under a clear blue sky , with the Florida sun warming the grounds of the James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital , a sea of hats gathered to tell their own story .
Navy caps with bold lettering , Air Force hats tilted cheerfully , camouflage patterns with the lettering Army , and the proud emblems of the Marines – each a source of pride and a badge of honor earned through time served and sacrifices made . These hats represented experiences , unwavering dedication and courage that brought them together on this day .
The 16th annual Veterans Day Parade at JAHVH celebrated those very qualities . The event marked the holiday dedicated to honoring the service of the men and women who answered the call and stood ready to defend the nation .
“ It ’ s our job – our commitment – to serve Veterans , their families , caregivers , and survivors as they ’ ve served our country ,” said David Dunning , executive director of JAHVH . “ Not just on Veterans Day , but every day .”
James Coyne , a 100-year-old Navy veteran , started the sequence of events by reciting the pledge of allegiance . His eyes and voice filled with pride as he spoke , serving as a reminder of the weight and history of his service and . the sacrifices made by previous generations . Dawn Florence sang the ,” The Star-Spangled Banner ”, receiving a burst of patriotic applause . She was followed by Evangelo “ Vann ” Morris , a retired Navy officer , who gave a 21-gun salute and an Old Glory presentation which painted a vivid picture of the U . S . flag ’ s enduring symbolism . Caroline Wiren , a Vietnam-era veteran , served as the event ’ s Grand Marshal .
The vibrant parade featured floats adorned in red , white , and blue , high-energy marching bands and gleaming modern and vintage vehicles . The lively crowd cheered
“ The feedback we received this year has been overwhelmingly positive , highlighting the beauty of the ceremony and the remarkable nature of the parade ,” said Hogan . “ It was incredibly moving to see the diverse ways in which each group chose to honor our veterans , creating a memorable and uplifting day for those in our care .”
The Veterans Day Parade paid tribute to all who served in the U . S . military . Attendees and participants received a powerful reminder of the bonds that unite us all .
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