A cacophony of sound filled the air as community groups, car clubs and Soldiers of the 85th Civil Affairs Brigade marched through the streets of Round Rock, Texas today during the 2014 Sertoma July 4 Parade.
Nearly 2300 people comprised the 150 groups represented in the parade, which kicked off the day’s festivities.
“The community supports the military, and this is our way of giving back,” said Master Sgt. Terangelo Davis, an operations noncommissioned officer with 85th Civil Affairs Brigade.
Cheering and waving residents lined the route, Some even traveling from the outskirts of Austin to take part in the celebration.
Carlos Loredo, a Leander resident, stood and watched as his young son, Christian, did his best to salute the 85th Civil Affairs Brigade Soldiers as they passed.
“I want my children to celebrate the 4th of July as often as possible. It’s important because I want Christian to know you are free because of the people that serve,” said Loredo.
Loredo was not alone, as many parents approached Soldiers throughout the day to say thanks and teach their young ones how to greet them.
Staff Sgt. Joshua Lee, a chaplain’s assistant with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 85th Civil Affairs Brigade, marched in the parade, representing the Gold Star Mothers by carrying the photo of a fallen Marine.
“It was a tremendous honor, personally, to give back to a Family which has already given so much for our country. When we started marching, it was so humbling to see the crowd,” said Lee.
As the photos passed, parents would often explain their significance to the children; a gesture Lee could not overlook.
“Parents were telling their children what the photos represent and that made it hard while marching.”
Retired First Sgt. Will Williams, an Army veteran, reflected on what the Fourth of July meant to him.
“Before my enlistment, which I was a kid, I just thought it was a day to hang out and eat cotton candy. Now, its an essential priority,” Williams said.
“Especially When I see Soldiers marching by— I’m five foot five— it makes me feel like I am six foot tall. It means everything.”
| Date Taken: | 07.04.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.04.2014 18:40 |
| Story ID: | 135334 |
| Location: | ROUND ROCK, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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