Another Parade

There was another parade on Tybee Island today. Don't take the next comment as making light of the subject but someday here there will be a parade because it is Tuesday. Today's parade was to honor our military veterans and their families. When someone in the family serves it effects everyone in the family. When they go to war the family in a way goes with them. The family deals with the stress sometimes for years after the veteran returns from battle. They are never quite the same and neither is their family.

This is the Tybee Island American Legion Color Guard leading the parade and they are leading. At this point less than two blocks into the parade they have opened up a half block lead on the rest of the parade. When they got past us to the next intersection they stopped and marched in place so the parade could catch up to them. Don't let those older veterans fool you, they are still got getters and ass kickers.

This picture is included for two reasons. First, look at the Color Guard's feet. They are not walking down the street, they are marching. One man is calling out the cadence and the group is keeping perfect time. Impressive for folks who served many years ago. The second reason is the man in the wheelchair in the rear. He is the Chaplain. It serves to remind that not everyone escapes the battle unscathed.

This is just to show more clearly these are not young folks.

You see this jeep around town from time to time. It is marked as a Fort Screven MP vehicle in honor of the former military base on Tybee Island.

A bus load of parade participants.

The gentleman on the far right wearing the kilt looked over at me and suggested that I was being a bit wimpy for wearing a hoodie and hat on a day in the mid 50's with gusty wind. I never argue with a man who is comfortable wearing a skirt in public.

One of several parade floats.

This contingent of soldiers was from one of the local army bases. They were march to a cadence called out by the soldier walking on the side toward the camera. They were not shy about what they were saying or doing. It was an impressive sight.

The local Coast Guard station participated as well.

Some day when time allows I will have to check out what this group is.

There were about 10 motorcycles representing the Red Knights Motorcycle Club. Since they were participating I assume they are made up of former military.

Another parade float this one honoring Army Rangers.

This is where the parade started to get a bit weird. This is a local roller derby team. Not sure why they were in the parade other than to perhaps show their appreciation for veterans.

Another float.

The previous three photographs I cannot explain. What that was intended to say or mean in this parade is beyond my ability to understand. The last picture is included just to restate to anyone who wonders, the Civil War (here the War of Northern Aggression) is not over. If you wonder take a gander at the flag on the left side of the truck sporting the stars and bars of the Confederacy. It is the state flag of Georgia.

The float from the Crab Shack.

Bringing up the rear of the parade the Tybee Island Fire Department. Overall it was a nice parade and a good way to honor our local veterans and their families.