Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Lia Aragon | Members of Rolling Thunder, motorcycle club for veterans, wave to the crowd during the...... read more read more
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JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- The only thing louder than the unified sounds of trumpets and drums was the pounding of Marines’ and sailors’ boots hitting the pavement as they marched to “left, right, lo’ right, lo’ right.”
Hundreds of Jacksonville, N.C., residents attended the Jacksonville area’s Veterans Day Parade to show their support for the veterans of past and present wars, Saturday.
Police cars blocked off Western Boulevard as families placed lawn chairs and blankets on both sides of the four-lane road to get the best view of the parade.
A Marine Corps color guard led the way, and the 2nd Marine Division Band followed close behind, playing the Marine’s Hymn.
The New Era Organization, a car and truck club aimed at keeping Marines away from drinking or getting in trouble, had plenty of representation, with about 10 cars participating in the parade. Founded in 2005, NEO has been participating in the Veterans Day Parade since 2006.
“We come out here to support our troops,” said Jose “Big Pitt” Pinero, co-founder and club president of NEO. “About 90 percent of our members are Marines, so we want to show that we are supporting our Marines and veterans. A lot of younger Marines think of veterans and they say ‘Oh, that’s for older guys,’ but it’s not. If you’ve been in combat or on tour, you’re a veteran.”
Pinero, who once served in Iraq, left the Marine Corps as a sergeant. Another member of NEO earned the Purple Heart award for his actions in combat.
Many schools from nearby towns also made the trip to the parade to show off their pride. Richlands High School brought their marching band and flag team, while Northside High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps came out in their service dress uniforms, shouting cadence as they marched. Dixon High School’s Marching Bulldogs made a show with their 10-woman flag team.
Local fire departments and car and motorcycle clubs also showed their support, covering cars, bikes and even helmets in American flags that waved at the crowd as they rode down the street.
The teenage girls of Girl Scout Troop 3701were wrapped in blankets to help fight off the morning chill as they rode on their float, showing their pride and cheer.
“It’s a lot of fun being out here,” said Deanna Naccarato, a girl scout with Troop 3701. “This is our first year doing the Veterans Day parade, but we come out to represent Girl Scouts, the community, and to also show the values we uphold in the Girl Scouts.”
Many of the families and children had smiles on their faces as clowns walked by, and vehicles revved their engines. The fire trucks continuously honked their horn as children pumped their arms up and down, then quickly covered their ears as they watched the driver reach for the horn.
“You can be 18 years old to 65 years old,” said Pinero. “A veteran is a veteran and we support you.”
| Date Taken: | 11.06.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 11.16.2010 10:13 |
| Story ID: | 60232 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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