Residents honor area veterans during Saturday Veterans Day Parade

Desert Storm veteran Russ Chamberlain prepares to lead the American Legion Riders in Crestview's Veterans Day parade Saturday morning.

CRESTVIEW — Residents honored the area's veterans Saturday morning, lining Main Street for the county seat's Veterans Day parade.

The Main Street Crestview Association coordinated the event, which featured Eglin 96th Test Wing commander Brig. Gen. David Harris as grand marshal. Harris was a special VIP guest of the Emerald Coast Young Marines, which also marched up Main Street.

Veterans of conflicts dating back to World War II received the appreciation of parade goers. Among the military members were active duty 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) soldiers and veterans of the American Legion Riders and AmVets.

Showing their support were organizations including Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Baker and Crestview High School ROTC battalions, the Baker School Sound of the Swamp band, the Shoal River Mustang Club and area businesses.

Bringing up the rear, as has become an area tradition, were animal performers of the Loomis Brothers' Circus, which is appearing in Crestview this weekend.

Accompanied by ringmaster Justin Loomis were the circus' tigers, who delighted ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls and children of all ages as they rode by.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents honor area veterans during Saturday Veterans Day Parade