TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Veterans Day parade set for Nov. 11

Highlands Today file photo

For more information about Wednesday's Veteran's Day parade, contact Howard Jenkins at 863-385-3672, Ext. 231.

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOE SEELIG

Highlands Today

Published: November 6, 2009

SEBRING - Preparations are underway Thursday for the sixth annual Veterans Day parade in downtown Sebring scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, and sponsored by the Heartland Workforce.

Participants will begin to line up after 2:30 p.m. right up until parade time on North Pine Street near Sebring Middle School.

The parade will proceed up North Ridgewood toward the Circle, enter the Circle counterclockwise and make its way down South Commerce Avenue to Firemen's Field.

The Workforce's Local Veterans' Employment Representative Howard Jenkins talked himself hoarse as he fielded calls Thursday from around the county from people wanting a spot in the parade and accompanying festivities.

State Rep. Denise Grimsley, R-Lake Placid, has said she will attend, said Jenkins, as has Highlands County Sheriff Susan Benton. Jenkins said he has also invited local political leaders to take part.
World War II pilot Barry Smith, 90, a female pilot who ferried bombers to England during the war, said she'll be there, said Jenkins.

Her squadron of lady pilots would fly a group of bombers over and then fly back to the United States in one airplane, he said.

Col. Charles E. "Buck" MacLaughlin, the Avon Park Air Force Range base commander, will also participate.

"We have seven or eight new businesses in the area who have called wanting to get involved," Jenkins said. "I encourage anyone to come by; and to bring their chairs and their American flags.

"If you're a veteran sitting at home and want to take part we will find you someplace to ride, in a car or on a trailer."

For the last three years of the parade, the crowds in attendance have steadily grown, said Jenkins.

The Avon Park ROTC will also be there with its drill team and color guard.

In the Circle, there will be the Heartland Pops, conducted by Anthony Jones.

"Our musical selections for this hour-long concert on the Sebring Circle in conjunction with the Veterans Day parade, will appeal to anyone with an 'American Spirit,'" according to an announcement flyer.

"The Pops will honor all service personnel with an armed forces salute, a tribute to those who serve to protect this great country of ours."

The musicians will perform the official songs of the U.S. Army, the Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force and the Navy, as well as a musical selection by George M. Cohan, "The Star Spangled Spectacular."

The Pops will perform the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber - including the theme from "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera." Singer Melanie Hall from Arcadia will be featured.

The concert will conclude with "Within These Hallowed Halls" comprised of Amazing Grace and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Due to these road closures starting at about 3:45 p.m., vehicular access to North Ridgewood Drive, Circle Drive and South Commerce Avenue will not be permitted during the parade.

Northbound and southbound detours will be established for the duration of the event to aid motorists with driving around the event area.

For more information contact Jenkins at the Highlands One Stop Career Center at 863-385-3672, Ext. 231.

Highlands Today reporter Joe Seelig can be reached at 863-386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT