Veterans Salute to Veterans

The 9th Annual Salute to Veterans Parade was recently held in Riverside. The parade consisted of 120 groups, marching bands, organizations and elected officials. Every branch of the Armed Forces were represented including the Merchant Marines. There was a fly over including several different types of aircrafts, giving the crowd a thrill. It takes a multitude of volunteers to make this parade happen. Featured below are a few that made the event possible. The Civil Air Patrol hosted a pancake breakfast for the volunteers and parade participants. The Civil Air Patrol is a federally-funded non-profit organization that serves as the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Its volunteers are from all walks of life with a common interest in aviation. Their three key missions comprise of: Emergency Service, Disaster Relief, and Aerospace Education. There is also a cadet program for aviation-minded youth. The youth were on hand to cook and serve the breakfast. Travis Gammill is a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Bud Bell is a WWII Army veteran and Ken Brown served in the Korean War as a Marine. As veterans, this parade has special meaning to them. They have participated in many parades over the years in various capacities. They are all members of the Antique Airplane Association at Flabob Airport in Riverside. This year's parade duty was driving the truck pulling the trailer that carried the Riverside Concert Band. Travis drove while Bud and Ken lent their support by smiling and waving to the crowd. Uncle Sam aka Jack Duimstra and long-time friend, Mike Wolf, belong to the Patriot Guard Riders which, according to www.socalpgr.org, “are a diverse group of riders and other citizens from across the United States of America. We have one thing in common, an unwavering respect for those who risk their lives for America's freedom and security.” Mike has modified his motorcycle in such a way that it is wheelchair friendly. He said, “I have ridden in 40-50 parades.” Jack has modified his bike with a fully-enclosed side-car. The Patriot Guard Riders opened the parade with a roar! The Reviewing/VIP stand located at 10th and Magnolia is where The Armory Band provided the entertainment for the gathering crowd of spectators. Their group consists of local musicians that specialize in Civil War Era music. They provide historical and educational events with music and instruments of America two-hundred years ago. To add to the authenticity of the band, they also wear Civil War Era costumes. Donate Life was another proud participant in the parade. Donate Life's Mission, according to their website at www.donatelifecalifornia.org which states “Our mission is to save lives by inspiring people to sign up with the state organ, eye and tissue donor registry. Our vision is that one day all Californians will embrace organ, eye and tissue donation as their personal responsibility.” Lena Russell rode in the Donate Life van during the parade. She received a lung a few years ago through the organization. She is now an avid spokesperson on behalf of Donate Life. The parade was a huge success because of these volunteers and many others not mentioned.