Brownwood celebrated Veterans’ Day on Friday with a parade, a ceremony and a flyover by local pilots to honor all veterans.
The theme of the parade was “The Aftermath of Pearl Harbor.” VFW members made their own replica of the Battleship Missouri, (BB63), as the battleship was the site of the formal surrender of Japan September 2, 1945.
Veterans participated in the parade riding in antique and classic cars. There were three marching bands including Howard Payne University, Brownwood High School and Early High School. Brownwood Police, Brownwood Fire Department (Engine 3 & Rescue 1), the Patriot Guard Riders, The Pecan Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League, VFW & Auxiliary, and Care Nursing were entries in the parade.
Citizens and school groups lined the streets to honor the veterans waving flags including grades 1-5 from Brookesmith.
Winners of the parade were awarded as follows:
Most Patriotic: The Pecan Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League Auxiliary
Closest to Theme: Battleship Missouri – VFW Post 3278 and Auxiliary
Most Original: Iwo Jima –The Pecan Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League
After the parade, a ceremony recognizing veterans was held at the Margaret and Stuart Coleman Plaza at the Depot. The ceremony as local tradition was held at 11am, on the 11th day of the 11th month. Speaker Early Mayor and HPU Professor, Dr. Robert Mangrum explained that this year marks the 93rd year after the date of the Armistice which ended World War I. As it was originally call Armistice Day, the holiday’s official name was later changed to Veteran’s Day to honor all Veterans past and present. Dr. Mangrum outlined the events and casualties of the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, as a flyover by local pilots also honored veterans.
Pictured above are veterans and members of the Pecan Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Please enjoy more photos in the gallery below.
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