Images Capture Spirit of 35th Annual Veterans Day Parade

35th Annual Parade is Portland's only event honoring Veterans Day.

Special thanks to Michael Bachara for the great photos.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Portland residents gathered to pay their respects to the people who serve the United States in uniform on Veterans Day, as the nation remains bitterly engaged in two Mideast conflicts.

Portland's only parade to honor America's veterans, The 35th annual Veterans Day Parade was held in the Hollywood District Nov. 11, 2009. Veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps took part in the parade.

The parade route covered Northeast 40th Avenue and Northeast Hancock Street, and travels east on Northeast Sandy Boulevard to Northeast 48th Avenue, where a memorial ceremony was held.

Organizers say it is an important opportunity to offer thanks to those men and women who have served in the military, and also to their families.

Michael Wolfe, the general manager of Ross Hollywood Chapel in the Hollywood District, told a reporter prior to the event, "We hope people come out to show their support. It's especially important to veterans and active military families - especially during a time when America is engaged in two conflicts affecting many Oregon families."

Wikipedia states that the special day was created by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. He first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919.

The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting the President issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies.

Photos of parade by Michael Bachara

Veteran's Day, also known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falls on November 11. It signifies the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Major hostilities of World War I officially ceased in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.

The Portland event saw marching bands from Grant High School, Beaumont Middle School, Robert Gray Middle School, and the Madison High School drum line.

The historic horse-mounted Buffalo Soldiers Moses William Chapter of the 9th and 10th Calvary, joined several military entries.

The American Legion Post 1 carried the color guard and several Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops participated with parents and military veterans.

The Oregon National Guard 142nd Fighter Wing also performed a fly-over.

The event's speakers included Portland Mayor Sam Adams, City Commissioner Nick Fish, Portland Fire and Rescue Chief John Klum and Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki designated Portland as one of 41 regional Veterans Day observances.

Special thanks to neighborhoodnotes.com for information in this report.