This weekend our family attended the Medal of Honor parade in Gainesville, TX. Gainesville is the only Medal of Honor Host City in the United States.
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government, and is awarded personally by the President. It was first awarded during the Civil War, and has continued through the Vietnam Conflict. No awards have been given for the Iraq or Afghanistan wars as of yet. Recipients get much more than the medal; they are awarded many benefits, such as a special pension, invitation to Presidential inaugurations, and interment in Arlington Cemetery. Wickpedia has a good explanation here.
The parade is always one of the best I've ever seen. I always get teary-eyed at parades; the patriotism and hometown atmosphere combined just get to me. But this one takes the cake.
During the entire parade, there were fly-overs by fighter planes from various wars. They flew in different formations. There was also an Apache helicopter making repeated appearances.
The Medal of Honor recipients rode in an assortment of vehicles, ranging from old military vehicles to antique cars to pickup trucks.
There was a very tired Nicholas, watching from the pavement.
We cheered soldiers, and also enjoyed the Marine Corps band.
Several families in our homeschool group met up on a street corner for a photo-op. Nicholas did not appreciate the very bright sun in his eyes.
We look forward to this event every year!
