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Veterans Honored Across Mobile

By Jessica Taloney Reporter

Published: Tue, November 11, 2008 - 7:20 pm Last Updated: Tue, November 11, 2008 - 7:30 pm

Short URL: http://wkrg.com/a/20821/

Jessica Taloney

Red, white and blue covered the streets of Downtown Mobile as patriotic crowds cheered for some of America's finest at the annual Veterans Day Parade.

Parade organizers say this year's event was one of the largest Veterans parades the Port City has ever seen. More than 1,800 people participated.

After the parade, veterans gathered for lunch at Fort Whiting Armory for the annual Veteran's Day luncheon. Retired Army General John Abizaid, the former head of U.S. Central Command, delivered the keynote address. The general was honored with the Patriot of the Year Award.

A Fairhope veteran was also honored at the luncheon. Retired Air Force Colonel Harry Moreland was named Mobile Bay's Veteran of the Year.

At Battleship Memorial Park, a memorial honoring America's war dogs was dedicated, and more than 150 4th graders honored the country's service men and women with a celebration of Young Americans For Freedom.