Veterans marched in step down Lake avenue on Tuesday morning, starting at Nancy’s Restaurant, as family and friends walked beside the procession.
The Vineyard community celebrated Veterans Day Tuesday with a parade in Oak Bluffs, honoring Islanders who have served.
Veterans marched in step down Lake avenue, starting at Nancy’s Restaurant, as family and friends walked beside the procession. First responders from the Oak Bluffs police department, Oak Bluffs fire department and Dukes County sheriff’s department, many of whom are also veterans, marched with departmental flags held high. Boy scouts from packs across the Island trailed behind.
Bob Tankard, center, stands with other Island veterans.
Bob Tankard, center, stands with other Island veterans.
When the parade arrived at Ocean Park, Dukes County director of veterans services George Pimentel said a few words about the importance of the day. While some veterans are more vocal than others about their service, he said all deserve to be honored.
“On this beautiful day when the sun finally came out, let’s all remember our veterans,” he said.
Rev. Steve Harding of Grace Episcopal Church offered a prayer, Mary McDonald sang the National Anthem and former Tisbury fire chief John Schilling played Taps on the trumpet before the ceremonial rifle salute.
Rep. Thomas Moakley spoke at the gathering.
Rep. Thomas Moakley spoke at the gathering.
Rep. Thomas Moakley read the Commonwealth’s Veterans Day proclamation, signed by Gov. Maura Healey. He presented it to Navy veteran and Oak Bluffs select board chair Dion Alley.
Mr. Moakley told the Gazette he’s been attending Veterans Day tributes since he was a scout and is grateful to celebrate the day with Islanders.
“The Cape and Islands region has more veterans per capita than any other region in the Commonwealth,” he said. “That moves us to recognize their service, but also to be their support.”
John Schilling played Taps.
John Schilling played Taps.
Year-round Islander Leigh Sylvia served in the Navy from 2007 to 2012, where he was an aircraft mechanic on the P-3 Orion patrol reconnaissance aircraft. He marched in his uniform Tuesday.
After the parade, he was looking forward to heading to the Oak Bluffs VFW to share a warm drink with his fellow veterans.
“It feels good to honor those who are currently serving and those who have served,” he said.
Comments
GOD BLESS THE VETS! GOD BLESS
GODSPAL MVGOD BLESS THE VETS! GOD BLESS US ALL!!!
I echo GODSPAL. As
Lorraine EdgartownI echo GODSPAL. As descendant of Revolutionary War warriors, and family in every war of this United States and in every branch of the military, I say, well done.
Honor those that need a place
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownHonor those that need a place to live,by helping them. I know disabled vets who fought in Vietnam that can't find a steady place to live
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