Submitted by Gerry Clare
Roving Reporter
November 7, 2015 3:01 p.m.
The parade was wonderful and we especially enjoyed Joan Bean as the Statue of Liberty (and her dancers) once again, a miniature horse and the Larry’s Subs float below. Lots of onlookers on a beautiful warm and sunny day while snow falls in Colorado…
Stanley Keene, Kyle Day and Andy Johnson (L to R) from Pak’s Karate Academy stopped by Veteran’s Memorial Park to pay their respects after the Saturday Veteran’s parade in downtown Fernandina. They wanted to see the latest addition, a new monument dedicated to Revolutionary War Veterans who settled in Nassau County.
Nearby, Steve Staples, past commander of American Legion #54, told us that the monument will be dedicated in a ceremony on Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11th, at 1 pm.by the DAR.
Editor’s Note: Gerry began free lance writing for fun and is the author of a published book (available on Amazon and at Books Plus) about funny real estate experiences. Gerry is a longtime member of our local American Business Women’s Chapter, a volunteer cancer driver and church deacon who loves to read, travel and meet interesting people.
It was great! Thank you!!!
I remember one of my students, Kelly Mixon. Thanks, Kelly, for your dedication and service to country.
One of the wonderful benefits of living in FB are the “hometown” parades. How great for folks to take the time to participate in the parade in some form as a way of honoring those who have served and continue to serve our country.
Great job!
I enjoyed the Parade, brought back memories of my Hometown’s Parades back in the 40’s and 50’s and of my Dad who was in the South Pacific on a Destroyer Escort. USS Chaffey, (1941 til 1945) he came back Home to us. My Brother and I both served, in the 60’s as have my Family since the Revolutionary War.
I couple months ago, I saw in the paper Congressman Crenshaw was coming to Nassau County to thank our Veterans for their service. I thought, that’s nice, I hadn’t been recognized for my service since I disinbarked from MSTS Mitchell in Oakland Calf. in 1966. A group of War Protesters recognized us with thrown eggs and Signs. So I sent my Documentation to Congressman Crenshaw. Got a Letter back saying the recognition ceremony would be at Yulee, SFCJ. today Nov. 9th. In with the letter was a Flyer saying “If you want a Photo of youself and the Congressman it would only cost you$$$ Really? Now at every State of the Union Speech every Republican, Democrat and ever the Supreme Court, stands and Honors the Disabled Veteran of what ever War we are fighting at the time. Then the very next at work, Congress Defunds some Veterans benefit. We continue to give Billions in subsidies to huge profitable Corporation. Bail out Banks that are “Too Big To Fail” The States Charges Veterans extra for a Vets Tag. Veterans Healthcare is a Mess. But we as a Nation, Can’t afford to hire a guy to take a photo of a Veteran and a Politician. So a Guy or Gal, that’s lost half their body or mind in Service to their Country, is asked to pay for a photo with Congressman Crenshaw? Shouldn’t Crenshaw be paying for the Honor to stand with an American Hero? I declined the offer.
I would hope that Congressman Crenshaw is not personally aware of this crass arrangement. Steve, could it be that the money raised from the photos was being donated to a Veteran’s organization?
I know that in the past when I would meet with my congressional representative and/or senator and a photo was taken, I would receive it later in the mail with no request for money.
Dave, I Emailed Congressman Crenshaw, with my concern last Wednesday, no response. I do hope he saw my comments, but perhaps his “Firewall” stopped it. Thanks for reading my Rant, it was way to long. Peace
I really enjoyed the parade, but I wonder where in the world was the Fernandina Beach High School Band. What happened?