Community Corner

Birmingham Community Honors Veterans at Annual Parade

Good weather, turnout marks the 2013 Celebrate Birmingham Parade.

 

Hundreds of Birmingham-area residents honored and represented the community as well as local veterans during the Celebrate Birmingham Parade downtown on Sunday.

Waving mini-flags and playing noisemakers provided by those marching on the parade route, children and adults of all ages lined parts of South Old Woodward Avenue and other downtown streets to see more than 50 individuals, groups and entertainers show their spirit and hometown pride.

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"This is a lot of fun, and not something you see everyday," said Chris, who made her first trip to the annual parade from Madison Heights with her family. They were among the lucky ones to arrive early enough Sunday afternoon to grab a shady bench spot along the parade route to beat the 80-degree heat.

Along with the hand-held flags provided by the Mills Pharmacy, organizers lined the parade route with dozens of American flags of all sizes to match this year's theme of 'Red, White and Blue.' Dozens of veterans representing many generations, branches of service, and international conflicts were among the stars of the event, which culminated with a special recognition afterward in Shain Park. 

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"It's awesome to be part of something like this and really an honor," said Steve Stevens, commander of the Birmingham-Troy American Legion Post #14. "This is what we're about; letting the people see us and serve as a reminder of all those who serve this country every day, and especially the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice and couldn't be here." 

What was the best part of Sunday's parade and community celebration? Tell us in the comments, and show us by uploading your favorite photo from the event — whether you watched or participated — by pressing the 'upload photo' button above.


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