Veteran's Day Parade Mesa

Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory

November 11 was a perfect day in Mesa for a Veteran's Day parade, so my buddy Lee and I headed out early, and got a perfect location at the start of the parade route. There was plenty of time to mix it up with the parade participants as they formed up for the parade. I took plenty of pictures, including the ones you see here (just a sample), which are among my favorites.

Mesa High School Band - there were six of them

On parade days, you are pretty much able to shove your camera in just about anyone's face without complaint. Actually, they're sort of flattered, and expect it. I never go to a parade without a camera. And, I do like to get there early, near the start of the parade, maybe even in the form-up area. Perfect.

Rear Admiral - U.S, Navy - Dennis Wisely

There were lots of dignitaries in the parade, and I got a good shot of Admiral Wisely, so here he is. With 350 combat missions over Vietnam, you wonder how he made it. The man is well decorated, but you won't see any there in his flying suit. Just so you know, he earned the Silver Star, six Legion of Merit Medals, two Distinguished Flying Cross Medals, 29 Air Medals, and a Purple Heart. What more is there to say!

What a beautiful face. My favorite photo.

Finally, I present my absolute favorite photo of the day. In costume, and stepping back in history to the early days of Buffalo Soldiers and their families here in the south-west. I asked politely for this photo, and was rewarded with the sweet smile you see here.

Veteran's Day Parade Mesa

I spent quite a bit of time trying to decide what my very best Mesa Veteran's Day Parade photo was. In the end, here we have it.

What a great day it was.

Started early, arrived well in advance of the 11 am start. Found a spot near the start of the parade and settled in.

This was a great parade, involving some super bands (mostly, high school bands, and they are good), horses, motorcycles, old cars, a fire truck, military hardware, and of course the vets.

Estimated attendance, some 30,000 people.