Navy/Marine Parade Marches On In Philadelphia
by Alex Lloyd Gross
It was not a beautiful day. It was overcast and damp. A cool breeze kept the temperature cooler that it has been recently. Those facts did not stop the US Navy and Marines from having a parade to celebrate the 250th Birthday of the formations of both branches of the service.
This parade kicked off about 11:00 AM at 20th Street and JFK Blvd. It ended at 5th and Market Streets, with Independence Hall in the background. There were a lot of marching bands, locally, Temple University and Pennsbury High School in Levtittown were represented.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo-Delaware Valley News.com The Pennsbury High School Marching Band
A few floats were driven but the highlights for most people was the Budweiser Clydesales. Unfortunately, the horses were in trailers and not marching. This was due to what horses can leave behind and the horses can only walk a certain distance every day.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo-Delaware Valley News.com Our forefathers ride in a boat during the parade.
Not every sailor and soldier in the Marines or Navy was in the parade. Quite a few showed up to watch. They came from all over the country to be here. With today being Columbus Day, many people were off work so it made perfect sense to have this parade today. Many civilians showed up to watch as well. Some were retired military, others never served but were curious.
Along 5th Street, the Navy had some static displays showing off some of their units. People could get dressed in bomb disposal gear, which is cumbersome and heavy, or they could play a Navy diver in Tic Tac Toe. You are on land and the diver is in a tank of water. Quite a few games end in a tie. Near Admiral Brad Andros, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command tried his hand at this feature and won.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo-Delaware Valley News.com The Clydesdale horses and their little Dalmatian were a huge hit during the parade.
Recruiters were out in force, giving away Navy hats and other swag. This culminates almost a week of activities to commemorate Homecoming 250 for the Navy and Marines.