Supporting our troops

SCRANTON — People in downtown Scranton showed their support for the currently serving soldiers and veterans in all military branches during the annual Armed Forces Parade on Saturday, May 18.

Participants in the parade gathered near the Gino Merli Veterans Center from where they either walked or drove to the Lackawanna Courthouse Square.

Ken Kostelnik, commander of the Pharaohs Car Club of Scranton, and his veteran friends drove their classic cars in the parade. He helped set up the parade as well.

“We’re supporting the armed forces because it’s well-deserved,” he said. “They served our country and did a lot of things that a lot of people would not do. They deserve recognition.”

Ken’s friend Frank T. Valvano, who was captain in the US Air Force, flew B-52s over Thailand during the Vietnam War.

“My last operation was Operation Linebacker II when Nixon sent us downtown at the end of the war,” he said.

Peter Riebe, lieutenant of the Pharaohs Car Club of Scranton, drove his black Cadillac in the parade.

Many high schools and local organizations went through Mulberry Street, Wyoming Avenue and ended at Lackawanna Courthouse Square on Washington Avenue. One of the organizations was Compassionate Canines, which has therapy dogs that visit schools, nursing homes and the Gino Merli Veterans Center.

“People submit requests for one-time events or routine monthly events and visits,” said one of the members. “We get it on the calendar, and we go spread some love!”

The Society of Irish Women with their president Barb Partyka also marched in the parade to support friends and family members of soldiers. Member Nancy Welby has a son, Paul, who helps organize the parade.

“We’re very proud to participate in any way we can to support our veterans past and present,” she said.

WBRE meteorologist Valerie Smock, who was the emcee, announced those marching while on stage with soldiers of the Army National Guard and Air Force Reserves at the square.

Lieutenant Cliff Morales of the PA Army National Guard, who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2005, was the committee chairman of the parade. He and the committee met once a month working to obtain permits and having the streets closed for the parade. This was Morales’ first time participating in the Scranton Armed Forces Parade.

“It’s amazing to see all the support that we got from all the different organizations (including) the civic organizations (and) the veteran service organizations,” he said.