Philly's First Veterans Parade Day Marches Through City
By Molly Daly, Rahel Solomon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Philadelphia's first Veterans Day parade marched through Center City Sunday, winding its way from Broad and Walnut to Independence Hall.
The sunny, cool weather was perfect for a parade.
Police on motorcycles led the way, followed by uniformed horsemen in gleaming silver helmets with black plumes from the Philadelphia City Troop Cavalry, established in 1774. They were followed by dignitaries in classic cars, one of them a Pearl harbor vet.
A little boy standing on the curb held a sign reading "Thank You for Your Service."
Those who spoke with seemed to be enjoying the festivities:
"My kids have experienced multiple deployments so it was my opportunity to show them just what the whole experience of Veterans Day is about."
"We walked from Washington Avenue, I wouldn't have missed it. I would have ran if I could have."
You would think they would have done this before but I'm so happy they did it now.
Mayor elect Jim Kenney, a few steps away, said it's a sentiment that needs to be expressed:
"It's important to honor people who won't talk about their own service, who won't revel in what they've done. True veterans and true heroes never talk about what they've done, and I think that people my age and younger need to have some understanding and respect about the sacrifice that they made.
When asked if he expects this to become an annual event, Kenney responded "iI have anything to say about it, it will be."
Vets from recent conflicts back to World War II were represented, as well as Colonial and Civil War re-enactors.
