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A salute to their service

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By JESSICA BALANZA

jbalanza@tampatrib.com

Published: November 4, 2009

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Even with a harsh economy, the Veterans Parade Group Inc. expects to give folks something to celebrate Saturday.

The nonprofit organization is hosting the Tampa Veterans Day Parade to "honor and thank all veterans for their service to this country," said Brian Boyle, chairman of the event.

At 10 a.m., about 65 units will start down the parade route, which begins at Morgan Woods Elementary then heads down Hanley Road and finishes at Webb Middle School.

The parade has been one of the highlights of the community off and on since 1985. But for the past 16 years it has been an annual event.

"We really do a smashing job, if I may say so myself," said Gerald Jacobs, treasurer of the parade board. "We have a great turnout, and we have a lot of fun doing it."

Last year, the parade boasted 20,000 spectators and had about 2,000 participants.

This year, organizers haven't received the response they have from participants in the past, and they blame the economy.

"It might be a bit smaller, not just because of funding, but also because people don't have money to participate," Boyle said.

Although the group is always trying to find ways to raise money and keep the event running, Boyle and Jacobs agree it's always a struggle.

Especially when the economy is not doing as well.

Boyle said that the group was hit the worst in 2001 after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. That year the parade almost didn't happen.

"It costs anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 to pay for the parade," Boyle said. "We have had times where we have had to reach into our own pockets to keep doing it. And we will keep doing it. A hundred percent of our donations go straight to the parade."

Col. Lawrence M. Martin Jr., commander of the 6th Air Mobility Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, will be the parade's grand marshal. And other festivities will include the Town 'N Country Elementary choir singing patriotic songs.

Thomas Hughey, a former Town 'N Country resident and Navy medic in the Korean and Vietnam wars, also will be honored. Hughey passed away in July 2008 and was one of the founders of the parade.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Tampa Bay Veterans Day Parade
WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday. Parade watchers should arrive before 9:15 a.m. because roads along the parade route will be closed at that time.

INFORMATION: www.veterans parade.org

Community producer Jessica Balanza can be reached at (727) 451-2342.

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