By Sandy Meyer
Ruskin Memorial V.F.W. Post 6387 is holding its annual Veteran’s Day Parade on Saturday, November 14 at 11 a.m. The parade will go through downtown Ruskin north along U.S. Hwy. 41.
The Ruskin Memorial VFW is once again inviting all local youth, civic and community organizations, fraternities, krewes and businesses to join them for this patriotic holiday parade. The parade is free to the public and free to all participants. For more information on joining the parade, call Bruce Scheller at 645-2935 or Shirley May at 645-3410.
“This patriotic and fun-filled family event is a wonderful way for the community to come together to honor veterans while spending time with their family and friends,” said Shirley May, Parade Committee Co-Chair and auxiliary member.
Each year a local veteran is chosen to serve as the Grand Marshall and this year Walter Pearson, a WWII veteran will be serving in that capacity.
The VFW is currently accepting essays for the Buddy Poppy King and Buddy Poppy Queen who will have the opportunity to ride in the parade. The contest is open to all local third, fourth and fifth grade students. Each contestant is required to write an essay entitled, “Why I like Being an American” and submit the written essay by Saturday, October 17. The essay is required to be 50-100 words in length and be from the student’s own viewpoint. Essays can be mailed to Shirley May at 1028 Apollo Beach Blvd. #113, Apollo Beach, FL 33572.
“All in all, it is a wonderful day of honoring our veterans and fostering patriotism,” added May.
Fundraising efforts for the parade have begun and the community is invited to attend a spaghetti dinner on Monday, September 21 in which all proceeds will be used to defray the cost of the parade in November. The dinner takes place at the Ruskin VFW located at 5120 U.S. Hwy. 41 N. in Ruskin from 4:30–7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in the Canteen for $7 for a complete spaghetti dinner. Spa baskets and baskets of cheer will be available for $5 and there will be a 50/50 raffle held during the event. For more information on the dinner, call 645-2935.
