GAINESVILLE - Civilians and service members came together and lined Green Street in Gainesville Monday morning for the annual American Legion Memorial Day Parade.
Leading the parade was the City of Gainesville motorcycle police, followed by almost 80 floats, each honoring a service member.
In addition to several marching bands and floats, seven World War II veterans marched along. 97 year old Cecil Boswell has walked the parade since it started. This year, 94 year old James DeLong, Gerry Blaney, John Smallwood, Hal Smallwood, Horace Smallwood and Jim Neece all marched with him.
Ron Hollis Sr., an Army veteran was sitting on the sidelines, enjoying the parade with past American Legion commander and Korean War veteran Leonard Hayes."We're just so proud that we're Americans, and that we're still alive. We can participate and do things," said Hollis.
Others celebrated not only their veterans, but their love for our country. "We're just so proud of this country. It's important to celebrate our country and all we've done," said one woman, who was celebrating the day with friends, family and their Korean War veteran.
Army Veteran Alvin Clifton fought in Vietnam. He also is with the American Legion Post 7, and has marched in the parade for the past few years. "It's honoring the veterans, and the recognition of the job we did."
The Lanier Shriner club brought the big finish, after roughly 80 parade entries marched before them.
This is the 13th year the American legion has hosted the Memorial Day parade.
