Hundreds of supporters of all ages came to show support and appreciation for women and men that have answered their nation’s call and served in the U.S. military both past and present at the 16th Annual Veterans Parade November 5, 2016 in Boise, Idaho. This year, the theme was “A Salute to Women in Uniform” and highlighted the achievements, contributions, and advancements of women in military service.
"It was an honor to be a Grand Marshall for the parade and represent the nearly 700 women that currently serve in the Idaho National Guard and the many women that have served with distinction throughout the rich history of America and Idaho," said Col. Stephanie L. Sheppard, Idaho Air National Guard 124th Mission Support Group commander. "We are an all-volunteer force and both women and men have an equal opportunity to use their skills and abilities to serve our country and state."
More than 100 organizations were represented in the parade which included current military units, ROTC, JROTC, groups representing historical conflicts, and civilian groups that supporting military members and families. The Grand Marshalls of the parade were Col. Stephanie L. Sheppard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Linda R. Burkhart, Installation Support Unit of the Idaho Army National Guard Garrison Command Sergeant Major.
The parade started with an all-female Honor Guard presenting the colors, an invocation by Col. John Worster, and the National Anthem sang by Staff Sgt. Laura Davis. Then featured a flyover by two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the IDANG 124th Fighter Wing at Gowen Field. The military leaders in parade included the Idaho National Guard Commander, Maj. Gen. Gary L. Sayler, Idaho Army National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. John Goodale, and civilian leaders like Boise Mayor, Dave Beiter and Meridian Mayor, Tammy DeWeerd.
The parade wrapped up with a flyover of and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the Idaho Army National Guard 168th General Support Aviation Detachment.
The Veterans Day Parade planning committee is made up of current and former military members and civilians. They start their planning meetings every January and spend the majority of the year coordinating parade logistics and marketing.
Date Taken: | 11.05.2016 |
Date Posted: | 06.02.2017 12:29 |
Story ID: | 236154 |
Location: | BOISE, IDAHO, US |
Web Views: | 62 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Boise Veterans Parade: A Salute to Women in Uniform, by MSgt Sarah Pokorney, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.