Jacksonville hosts Veterans Day parade

But the festivities may have been most warming for the veterans themselves in attendance at the parade. "I appreciate the way this city always puts on a great show for Veterans Day," said retired Harold Harper who, at 94, was the parade's official oldest veteran. "It's good weather, good people, a great day."

Harper served in World War II in the U.S. Army's 42nd Infantry and wore his uniform to participate in the parade.

The oldest veteran, Harold Harper, 94, served with the 42nd Infantry in Europe during World War II.

A strong support of patriotism was evident as young and old alike watched and cheered, waving American flags as each unit passed. Veterans from all branches of the military proudly wore their uniforms, many reminiscing with strangers about their service to the country.

Paul and Angela Mrgich brought their children to the parade "to support our country." The young girls' waved an American flag as floats and classic cars passed by and clamored for any flying candy tossed to the curb by parade participants.

"We're here today to make sure the veterans who have served this country are honored and made to feel the great heroes that they are," said Director of Military Affairs for City of Jacksonville Dan McCarthy. "Jacksonville, of course, is a Navy town, but there is a great presence from all the services here, including Army Recruiting, Marines at Blount Island Command, Air Force and Coast Guard." McCarthy announced each unit as they passed the reviewing stand.

Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Michael Vitale and his wife, Debbie greet the crowd.

"I like watching the motorcycles drive in circles," said 10-year-old Sean Chapman as the Buffalo Soldiers

motorcycles roared down the street in patterns. Harris came to the parade with mother Pam Chapman, who said Veterans Day has always been important to the family. She was married on Veterans Day, and her parents wed on the holiday as well. Navy retirees were out in force with a display of support.

"With our country at war, I think it's so important for folks to come out and show their support for our troops," said Sylvia Osewalt, who attended with a group of women veterans from the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation. "Its great to see so many ROTC groups and young people out here today."

Veterans Day is a national federal holiday, celebrated throughout the country. It started with the original celebration of Armistice Day at the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. On every continent, formal events commemorated this historic moment, and so it was no surprise that Armistice Day would evolve into a national holiday that continued to be celebrated year after year.

NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby waves to onlookers.

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued his Armistice Day proclamation. "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory. Both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations . . . ."

For 16 years, the United States formally observed Armistice Day with impressive ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the president would place a wreath. In many other communities, the American Legion was in charge of the observance, which included parades and religious services. At 11 a.m., all traffic stopped, shots were fired and taps sounded. Slowly, the holiday that was to commemorate the end of World War I evolved into a general celebration of all veterans. Leaders of veterans groups began to celebrate the original date of Nov. 11 to honor all who had fought in various American wars, not just World War I.

Sailors from NAS Jacksonville and NS Mayport enjoy the applause from the cheering crowd at the Veterans Day parade Monday.

It was in Emporia, Kansas, Nov. 11, 1953, that a local veterans' group held the first "unofficial" Veterans Day celebration instead of Armistice Day. An Act of Congress changed the name to Veterans Day on May 25, 1954. In October of that year, President Eisenhower called on all citizens to observe the day by remembering the sacrifices of all those who fought for our country. Thus the celebration of Armistice Day was officially replaced with Veterans Day and American veterans of all wars were to be honored. This is in contrast to Memorial Day, which is devoted to those who have died in the service of their country.

Navy Band Southeast salutes the reviewing stand.

A patriotic youngster enjoys a birds eye view of the parade.