icon next to each of them.
Event date: November 11th, 2009 9:45 AM
Event location: NE 40th and NE Hancock
While America's military is engaged in two wars, Portlanders are invited to honor military veterans, the active military and their families at the 35th annual Veterans Day parade in the Hollywood District Nov. 11, 2009. The parade, which starts at 9:45 a.m., is sponsored by the Ross Hollywood Chapel and supported by the Hollywood Boosters business association. It is Portland's only parade that honors America's veterans.
The parade begins at Northeast 40th Avenue and Northeast Hancock Street and travels east on Northeast Sandy Boulevard to Northeast 48th Avenue, where a memorial ceremony will be held.
"This is an opportunity for us to say ‘thank you' to the men and women who have served in our nation's military and their families," said Michael Wolfe, general manager, Ross Hollywood Chapel, located in Hollywood. "We hope people come out to show their support. It's especially important to veterans and active military families - especially during a time when America is engaged in two conflicts affecting many Oregon families."
The parade's grand marshal is veterans' activist John Neuman, programs director of Veterans of Oregon and Members of the Community. Neuman, a Portland native, served in the Air Force, including three years in Vietnam. He served six terms as the president of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He also was successful in 2000 in getting Interstate 205 renamed the Interstate 205 Veterans Memorial Highway.
Parade participants will include marching bands from Grant High School, Beaumont Middle School, and Robert Gray Middle School, and the Madison High School drum line. The historic horse-mounted Buffalo Soldiers Moses William Chapter of the 9th and 10th Calvary will join several military entries. American Legion Post 1 will carry the color guard and several Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops will participate with parents and military veterans. The Oregon National Guard 142nd Fighter Wing also will conduct a fly-over.
Speakers at the ceremony will include Portland Mayor Sam Adams, City Commissioner Nick Fish, Portland Fire and Rescue Chief John Klum and Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer.
"We hope Portlanders come out to celebrate this day and honor our veterans," said Sara VanHouten, Hollywood Booster and co-chair of the parade. "This is our chance to show our appreciation for the sacrifices they and their families made for our country."
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has designated Portland as one of 41 regional Veterans Day observances.
Covered seating will be available for senior citizens and those will disabilities at the ceremony following the parade in front of the Ross Hollywood Chapel at 4733 Northeast Thompson Street.
