Delaware County honors veterans with 67th annual parade

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. (WPVI) -- Delaware County marked Veterans Day with its annual Veterans Day parade and program, continuing a tradition that has spanned more than six decades.

This year's theme was "Honoring 250 Years of Service and Sacrifice." The celebration included a parade and program centered on recognizing veterans and thanking them for their service.

"I just think it's an overwhelming feeling just to know that we have all of these people in the town backing us," said retired U.S. Army Capt. Linda Pascale, who is part of the honor guard in the program.

Residents lined the streets to watch the event, which featured participants representing multiple generations of service.

"What makes me feel good is seeing the older veterans, the Vietnam veterans, I think it's some World War II veterans out here. That comes to my heart right there," said Donnell Simon of Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffre Pascale, who is part of the parade's honor guard, praised the turnout, saying, "It's amazing, seeing the support on the street."

Among the spectators was Newtown Square resident Patricia Forman, who celebrated her family's military connections.

"Two sons, two flags!" Forman said of the two American flags she waved in honor of her servicemember sons while watching the parade.

Parents also used the event as an opportunity to teach younger generations about military service.

"It's important for them to know who protects them," said Danielle Byrd of Media, whose daughter was among the elementary school kids marching in the parade.

Veterans from the Greatest Generation also took part in the day's events.

"I went into service in 1943 and served until 46," said World War II Veteran Ed Buffman.

"There's not many of us left, but the ones that are, are well-accepted," said Ed Buffman, who founded the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum.

Col. Arthur L. Jenkins Jr., of the Delaware County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, reflected on the significance of the event.

"There is so much chaos in the world, but there are so many individuals that contributed to the greatness of this county," Jenkins said.

"I went to elementary school right here," said Media native Col. Paul Luongo, who grew up attending the parade and, this year, walked in the parade alongside the Grand Marshall Maj. Gen. Terrence Koudelka, commander of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

"The energy and optimism before the parade even starts and the fact that this community has done this for 67 years. It's amazing to me!" Koudelka said.

The parade is coordinated by the U.S. Veterans Legacy Project, whose volunteers work throughout the year to support the effort. The non-profit relies on community support to make events like the parade possible.

For many veterans, the event serves as a public expression of appreciation from the community.

"It's just a fantastic way to see that we still matter," Jeffre Pascale said.