Originally published in the Valencia Voice
Marching bands drummed and bugled down the streets of downtown Orlando as both re- tired and active members of the U.S. military marched alongside or rode in floats for the city’s annual Veterans Day parade, Saturday, Nov. 3.
Events kicked off at 11 a.m. and crowds from all over the city came out to support members of the Armed forces, both past and present.
“I came out today because my sister-in-law is a member of the Air Force,” said Orlando local, Alexandra Solivan. “It’s been an emotional day for the family. I’ve been crying the whole day.”
Among the floats and marching bands were numerous high school ROTC and JROTC members who marched along the parade route in support of the military branches many of them plan to continue working for.
“Seeing everyone here in sup- port of the veterans makes me very proud,” said Air Force retiree Belfazar Grant.
As the nation’s flag passed, officers of the military’s four branches stood and saluted out of respect for their fellow soldiers the entirety of the parade.
“It feels great to be out here today,” said First Sergeant Cabrera of the U.S. Army. “It’s just wonderful to share this day
with my fellow brothers.”
The procession ended at Lake Eola with a special performance by the Southeast U.S. Navy Jazz Band, where the community was invited to hop on stage and dance along.
“There are over 20 million living veterans in the United States, and it’s great that the community remembers those men and women overseas in such a special way,” said retired Army Captain Waldrop, who recently returned from Afghanistan.
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