Despite an overcast and somewhat wet Sunday, November 9, a large crowd of Miami Lakes residents and visitors showed their support for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces during the 35th annual Miami Lakes Veterans Day Parade which marched down Ludlam Road with more than 700 participants.
Mayor Wayne Slaton and Councilmembers waved to the crowd and threw candy to the youngsters, along with State Senator Rene Garcia and Miami-Dade Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr. Other parade participants included several local high school bands, sports clubs, a variety of scouting units and many other local and national organizations.
Grand Marshal Miami Lakes resident Alex Sanchez, Second Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, dressed in his Navy Enlisted Dress Blues and led the parade with pride. Sanchez was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where he earned much recognition including the prestigious Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
“Over the years, the Miami Lakes Veterans Day Parade has become a great tradition in our community,” said Slaton. “Thanks to the town’s Cultural Affairs and Veterans Committees, and all of the parade participants for making this day so special for our veterans and their families.
Immediately following the parade, a special ceremony was held at Town Hall in front of the “V is for Veterans Memorial” where Slaton and the Town Council honored Sanchez and all Miami Lakes veterans with speeches and the presentation of a folded American flag.