THIS IS AN ARCHIVED RELEASE FROM 2005.
SEE RELEASE FOR 2006.

Orlando Salutes 6th Annual Veterans Parade in Downtown Orlando

Mayor Buddy Dyer Leads Patriotic Parade
 Representing Nation’s Eras of War

ORLANDO, FL (November 10, 2005) – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council will honor the courage and commitment of the men and women who serve our country by hosting the 6th Annual Orlando Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 12, 2005, at 10 a.m. in Downtown Orlando.
Mayor Dyer will lead the 90-unit parade divided by our nation’s war eras: the American Revolution, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm and Present/Active Duty. All eras will be represented and parade entries include military units, floats, marching bands, ROTC units, honor guards, and representatives from Central Florida’s Veterans organizations. Also, this year commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive on the Western Front during World War II.
“I am thrilled to have 25 members from all branches of the U.S. military on my Veterans Advisory Council,” said Mayor Dyer. “They are dedicated representatives of the veteran community who are committed to discussing veterans issues and planning tribute and educational activities, such as our Veterans Day Parade in Downtown.”
This year’s parade Grand Marshal is Harry Meisel, 83 year-old retired Army Private First Class, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the largest land battle the United States Army has fought to date. Most recently, he organized a committee to fund a GI monument at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando, which was erected on December 16, 1999. Following his honorable discharge, Meisel became a physical education instructor, teaching at several Orlando schools as well as Rollins College in Winter Park.
"The Orlando Veterans Day Parade is one of the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council’s largest events,” said Paul Hay, Council Chairman. “We are very proud to have this national holiday dedicated to veterans and the Council is honored to plan and host a parade with Mayor Dyer in tribute of the men and women who serve and have served our country."
The parade route begins at Amelia Street and Orange Avenue, travels south on Orange Avenue, then east on Central Boulevard, north on Rosalind Avenue and ends at Amelia Street. More than 5,000 spectators are expected to line the parade route showing support for our active duty, reserve military and National Guard veterans for their contributions and service to our nation. New to the parade this year is a reserved surface lot on the corner of Garland and Central that will accommodate motorcycle parking for $2.
Proud supporters of this event include the Orlando Utilities Commission, and the Downtown Development Board. For more information visit www.cityoforlando.net.

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