Wave your American Flag, the 42nd Annual North Highlands Memorial Day Parade took place on Monday, May 26, 2008. It was a spectacular event that involved our whole community. It was a full day packed with events starting at 800 am with the Annual Pancake Breakfast. Mr. Tim Briggs, of North Highlands’ Briggs Roofing, wielded his spatula flipping what retired Air Force veteran Clarence Koske called “the best pancakes I ever had." I am willing to guess that at 80 years old, he has tasted a fair amount of pancakes. Mr. Koske answered many questions about his service to our country and the many medals he earned. He served our country 22 years, touring in Korea and Vietnam, before retiring from McClellan Air Force base.
Hundreds of people from the area gathered to ready themselves for the parade. Many different organizations mingled together and helped each other out. It was amazing to hear the stories from the veterans as they exchanged their experiences with our current soldiers and future soldiers. The parade has a unique way of bringing together the many different people in our community.
Before the parade began, an invocation was given by Pastor Bill Krause of Family Community Church, with many community dignitaries present in the grandstand. The streets were lined with people young and old. It looked like a good turn out despite the rather chilly, overcast day. Standing on the sidewalk all you could see in each direction were smiling, friendly faces.
There was a wide variety of floats and participants. I have my usual favorites that I look forward to seeing every year like the Ben Ali Shriners. They are a philanthropic organization that serves 22 hospitals in the area, specifically helping children. Shriners Children’s Hospital is one of the many. I never knew who they were or what they did before. Each year they have clowns, the keystone cops, the go-carts, and a float. I got a ticket for unauthorized photo taking, and my daughter got a wooden nickel from the keystone cops.
I also enjoyed the marching bands like the ones from Dudley Elementary, Foothill High, Natomas High, and Rio Linda High. I had two favorite floats, one from Liberty Ministries, that featured children singing, and of course I loved the North Sac News float, featuring a representative from each of the armed forces. If you were at the parade you also got a sneak peak at the new name for our community paper!
It wouldn’t be a parade without the many classic cars. The corvette club made their third appearance this year. Mr. Jim Long of Antelope entered his beautiful corvette with the theme “America’s Hero’s.” I was touched by the pictures of our soldiers showing compassion to others. In an interview with Mr. Long, I learned he was a Vietnam Veteran with the Navy from 1963-1974. More excitement ensued, when a couple of trick motorcycle riders did wheelies down Watt Ave. Not to be outdone, the U.S. Coast Guard flew a plane directly over the crowd. The parade did come to an end with the horses. The parade became another great memory of our community.
The fun was not over though, as the VFW Post 4647 served up a great BBQ, which everyone enjoyed. During this time, many participants bragged about who had the best float and told stories of the exciting things that had happened during the parade. The future for next year's parade looks bright, so I hope to see you there!