Parade Through Miami Beach Honors Veterans
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MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) -- Drum roll and American pride rolled through the streets of Miami Beach to celebrate our servicemen and women.
There was a sea of red, white and blue to thank and honor veterans for their courage and sacrifice.
"I think a lot of people honestly aren't aware of what we do and what we've gone through, what people are still going through and it's just an honor," said Staff Sgt. Rebecca Ramos. "I don't think it's a privilege to wear my uniform. I think it's an honor."
The annual Miami Beach Veterans Day parade and picnic packed Washington Avenue as a salute from a city that was the training grounds for air servicemen in the 1940s. Many South Beach hotels were used as housing for the troops who would march and exercise on the beach.
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Recognizing the history of freedom in our country and the military members who made it possible was emotional for some veterans who came out to support one another, honored to be recognized.
"They're making more people aware, aware of what the veterans did," said Commander Doug Morris who served from 1956 to 1961.
Patrick Lorzeille took part in the parade with his wife and kids.
"Feels wonderful…we appreciate how they're so thankful for what we do. And we're going to continually do what we do," said Lorzeille.
"It's important for him and my daughter to learn what a veteran is and that we have one at home. So we have our own hero," said Raisa Lorzeille who is the wife of a Navy serviceman.
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Air Force veteran John Wenzel came from a big military family and is proud to serve and protect.
"I'm humbled by it because a few years ago we were forgotten and now it seems like people are reminded what our sacrifices were," said Wenzel.
The day serves as a reminder that South Florida appreciates what our veterans have given up to keep us safe.
"We absolutely don't want anyone to be forgotten. The ones who served, the ones who are serving, the ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice, their families. Allows us to be here today and live in this great country," said Nadine Wenzel who is the wife of an AirForce serviceman and the mother of a Marine.