Gulfport Parade Honors Veterans

Dozens of people lined the streets of Gulfport and cheered for veterans, organizations and other participants in the second annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Gulfport on Saturday.

Army Lt. Col. Kathy Champion, an Afghanistan and Iraq War veteran and Gulfport native who received a service dog from the Paws for Patriots program was invited to be the grand marshal this year.

Several local organizations like the American Legion Andy Anderson Post 125, Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce and Veterans of South Pinellas County tossed beads and candy into the crowd.

City departments also joined in the parade. Mayor Mike Yakes waved the American Flag high, Gulfport's recycling department sounded off and firefighters with the Gulfport Fire Department waved at onlookers.

Veterans with VETSports rallied the crowd prior to Sunday's benefit volleyball match against the Gulfport Police & Firefighters and players and cheerleaders with the Gulfport Pirates cheered as well.

Marine and Stetson University College of Law LL.M. student Javier Centonzio, who graduated with his J.D. in May, started the Heroes Weekend community events with Bob Worthington last year and continued the events again this Veterans Day Weekend.

Check out our photos from the parade! Did you take some pictures too? Upload them right here to share them with Gulfport Patch and your neighbors!