The skies were cloudy with intermittent sun, and when the wind gusts hit every minute or two, the sense of impending winter was on people’s minds as the 2016 Veterans Day Parade made its way from the five-way intersection, down Park Avenue West, to Central Park.
The cold, however, did nothing to dampen enthusiasm. Dozens and dozens of school-age children lined the route, chanting “U-S-A! U-S-A!” and moving around to keep warm.
Bands from Mansfield Senior, Clear Fork, and St. Peter’s High Schools played patriotic selections and were interspersed with a variety of flag-strewn floats and a total of 40 marching units. Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War were included. The Parade Marshal was Denny Hempfield of Lexington.
At 11:00 a.m., the bells of downtown rang out and the commemoration began at the Gazebo. Speaker was Retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Molly Doss.
1812Blockhouse was on hand and have these 20-plus views to share of the morning – click here to access. Be sure to click on any image for a larger version.
