SOCSOUTH and Air Force Reservists participate in Homestead Veterans Day Parade

  • Published
  • By Maj. Armando Hernandez
  • SOCSOUTH Public Affairs Office
HOMESTEAD, Fla. --  Like so many cities and small towns across the country, the City of Homestead honored its local veterans, both past and present, during its annual Veterans Day Parade.

The Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, which is sponsored by the Homestead Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4127, is held every year to honor the men and women who have fought to defend the nation's liberty.

During this year's event, service members assigned to Special Operations Command South and the 482nd Fighter Wing, stationed at nearby Homestead Air Reserve Base, were among those who participated in the parade which was held at the city's historic district.

Navy Rear Admiral Thomas L. Brown, the commander of SOCSOUTH and Co-Grand Marshal of the parade said he felt honored to be part of the city's Veterans Day activities.

"This is a wonderful day for the country to acknowledge the service and sacrifice, past and present that Americans have made in the name of freedom and democracy - our way of life" said Brown. "This community is a terrific host to SOCSOUTH and the other military activities that occur on Homestead Air Reserve Base, home to the 482nd Fighter Wing."

In addition to highlighting the contributions made by veterans, Brown also said that the work of SOCSOUTH and the activities of U.S. Southern Command, which is commanded by Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, are being carried out to protect and serve the interests of the American people.

The day's celebration started with a ceremony that honored the nation's veterans.

Retired Army Brig. Gen. Hector E. Pagan, the former commander of SOCSOUTH and Homestead resident, was the featured speaker at the VFW sponsored ceremony.

During his remarks, Pagan outlined the contributions made by veterans and the sacrifices made by their families. He mentioned that the men and women who make up our veterans come from all walks of life and represent the diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds that make up our nation.

"Throughout our history, veterans have defended America when our borders, our people and our way of life have been threatened," said Pagan. "They have been more important than the latest technologies and more powerful than any of our military hardware."

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class David Montgomery, a Sailor assigned to SOCSOUTH who represented the unit during the parade, felt proud to be part of the city's Veterans Day activities.

"It was amazing to see all the support from the city," said Montgomery. "The local community here is very supportive of the military."

According to Louis Melara, one of the parade organizers and retired firefighter from Miami-Dade County, the parade is the oldest Veterans Day celebration in Miami-Dade County and one of its largest.

"More than 500 people participated in the parade," said Melara. "I got involved to honor our veterans, and to pay our respects for those who have served and are currently serving."

Homestead Mayor Steven C. Bateman, Vice-Mayor Judy Waldman and city council leaders participated in the parade as well as different drill teams, schools, and local organizations.  Four F-16's from the 93rd Fighter Squadron "Makos" from Homestead ARB roared overhead as well. 

Col. Ross R. Anderson, 482nd FW Operations Group commander from Homestead ARB served as the other Co-Grand Marshall for the parade.

"I'm grateful to the VFW, Mayor Bateman, City of Homestead, the Homestead Chamber of Commerce and its Military Affairs Committee and all the volunteers that made today's event happen," said Brown.