Hernando’s eighth annual Veterans Day Parade was just as honoring as any and other parade from before. The parade started out with Desoto County Police Department leading the parade’s way through the square and around the court house. As one officer stayed on her motorcycle in the middle, the other officers rode in circles around her showing that the parade was beginning. Following behind them were numerous veterans who showed up and they were ecstatic to be appreciated for their service. All branches of the military were recognized during this event.
Music was performed by different high school bands from all around Desoto County. Bands that participated were Desoto Central, Lewisburg, Lake Cormorant, and Hernando’s High School’s band. At the end of the parade, the other bands continued on, but Hernando’s band stopped by the side of the court house to perform the “National Anthem”. The crowd cheered on the bands because of their well-played rhythms.
The bands were not the only performers this day. Bag pipers walked by playing their instruments with the hint of many car horns and engines roaring behind them. Just as school made an appearance in the parade with their bands, dance and cheer teams made an appearance as well. The teams walked through with big smiles spread across their faces holding custom painted signs showing the veterans their appreciation. The cars and floats in the parade were also decorated with homemade materials and painted signs.
From giant brand new tractors to antique cars, the variety of vehicles in parade was a sight to see. Spectators in the crowd asked themselves the question, “how much was that”, “how does he still have that”, and “where did he buy that.” Even with such cool cars, no one could believed their eyes when the Ghost Busters van appeared. Caption America even made an appearance. The vehicles showed their U.S. spirit with flags and painted sign, however, they weren’t the only vehicles to make a dramatic entrance. As the U.S. Airforce planes flew over head, giant smoke trails followed from behind.
As the parade came to an end, many went to the Armory to celebrate the Veterans’ service. The Desoto County School’s boys choir performed as they sat down and enjoyed cookies, iced tea, and other types of food. The choir sang the “National Anthem” then sang a song that was based upon a note to a fallen soldier’s father. After the performance, Veterans’ names were announced from the Air force, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, and more. The ones who were able to stand and solute did just that with big smiles showing respect to the ones who couldn’t.
