3rd Annual Veterans Day Parade; a huge success
(Photo by S. Monroe)
The United States Air Force Honor Guard lead the Parade through Downtown Laurel.
By Samantha Monroe
It was a windy, chilly morning in Laurel for the 3rd Annual Eastern Shore Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 14 hosted by American Legion Post 19.
The parade was led by the United States Air Force Color Guard and made its way down streets filled with spectators waving small American flags.
This year, students from the Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus, helped design advertisements and a radio spot to promote the parade. Seven students in Layout and Design designed ads. Students from the Introduction to Electronic Media class created a one minute commercial.
Two students in the Layout and Design class had their ads selected to run in local Sussex County news publications.
Kimberly Huffman, Communications student designed an ad that was chosen to be displayed in the “Cape Gazette.”
Huffman said she felt honored about her ad being selected.
“I am very hard on myself, and to see someone else was happy with my work to publish it was a really nice confidence boost,” said Huffman.
Paulina Szczepanska created an ad that ran in the The Guide. Along with Huffman and Szczepanska, layout and design students that particpated include: Tracy Johnson, Dylan Schmidt, and Samantha Monroe.
Patricia Starkey, Communications student, said her and a couple other classmates recorded the commercial that played on local radio stations to advertise the parade.
Starkey said the commercial features important information about the parade and invited the public to attend the parade and she was happy to work on it with her classmates.
“The commercial was designed to come out and enjoy the parade,” Starkey added. “And if people wanted something to do, they could come support the veterans.”
Intro to Electronic Media students that participated as well were Hannah Shyrer, Kristen Jefferson, Tavietta Ewell, and Kyle Tingle.
This was the first year the Communications Department has worked with an event outside of Delaware Tech.
Communications Department Chair Rob Rector said he hopes there is opportunity for future collaborations between the Communication program and its students.
“I feel this is a great opportunity to both demonstrate the skills of our current students within the class directly to potential employers, as well as for the students to have exposure in a widely distributed local publication,” said Rector.
Chris Shirey, parade chairman, said this year consisted of over 75 different groups and organizations with 150 entries, many featuring veterans. She hopes to continue to increase the number of entries each year.
“We were especially thrilled to have entries from as far away as Baltimore and we hope to build on this,” Shirey said.
This year’s school bands participating in the parade were Laurel High School, Lake Forest High School and Sussex Technical High School.
“I am thrilled how the parade continues to grow,” Shirey said. “I hope that we can increase the amount of spectators each year.”
Shirey said future planning for the parade would include displays and demonstration for a full day of activities.
Laurel Chamber of Commerce President Matt Parker said he was happy with this year’s turnout and success. He credits that success to the marching bands, the organizations, volunteers and individuals who came to enjoy the parade.
“We are looking forward to helping the parade grow and to truly make it an event destination for Delmarva,” said Parker.
Cathy Parker, parade committee member, said she was thrilled and excited about the large crowd she saw lined up this year.
“The church bells, bands, flags, floats and military units were honorable tributes to all our veterans,” Parker added. “It was a flag-waving day in Laurel.”
Several trophies were awarded to participants who were in the parade. The decisions were made by the National Judges Association. For a full list of winner, visit the 3Rd Annual Veterans Day Parade visit the official Facebook page.
For photos, videos and more information about this year’s parade visit the official Facebook page. The 4th Annual Eastern Shore Veterans Day Parade is set for Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, in Downtown Laurel. The theme is yet to be announced.
(Photo by S. Monroe) The United States Air Force Honor Guard lead the Parade through Downtown Laurel.