"We received 91 entries - some of which were individual efforts, some were group efforts, but they all demonstrate great respect and high regard for our veterans and our military forces,” said David Mankiewicz, executive director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc.
Best at Conveying the "Thanking Our Veterans" Theme: Haley Kinnetz, a ninth grader in Mrs. Jennifer DeCaro's studio art class at Durgee Jr. High School in Baldwinsville.
Best at Depicting a General Patriotic Sentiment: Noelle Webster, a ninth grader in Mrs. Gail Glagola's drawing and painting class at West Genesee High School.
For the most creative/original idea - two winners: Sarah Abraham, a eighth grader in Mrs. Joanna McCaffrey's class at Durgee Jr. High School in Baldwinsville and Christina Holzhauer, a ninth grader in Mrs. Gail Glagola's drawing and painting class at West Genesee High School.
In addition, there were 11 entries that will be awarded an honorable mention.
“The 2009 CNY Veterans Parade is a great opportunity for children, and really people of any age, to see how many members of their community are veterans,” said Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli, D-120. “Seeing hundreds of veterans of all ages and all walks of life in this parade triggers a sense of gratitude for the sacrifices these brave men and women have made for our freedoms.”
The CNY Veterans Parade will kick off at noon, Saturday Nov. 7 at Clinton Square. The parade will follow a mile route through downtown along Salina Street to Harrison Street and end on State Street in front of the War Memorial.
A highlight for this year’s parade is the flyover provided by the 174th Fighter Wing. This will be one of the last times the unit will fly the F-16s before converting to the unmanned aircraft.
The 2009 CNY Veterans Parade is larger and includes more veterans and bands than in years past. The line up includes eight high school marching bands (Baldwinsville, Central Square, CNS, ESM, Henninger, Jordan Elbridge, Phoenix, and Thousand Islands), the Pride of the Orange, and the Syracuse Scottish Pipe Band. Active and reserve military members will be represented by members of the 174th Fighter Wing, the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron, 27th Brigade Combat Team and U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego.
There are more than 40 veterans organizations scheduled to march in the parade, as well. The parade is scheduled to feature local Disable American Veterans Chapters, American Legion posts, Veterans of Foreign War posts, vintage military vehicles, veteran motorcyclists, and groups dedicated to helping veterans.
“This parade is an opportunity to recognize and pay tribute to veterans of all generations from throughout Central New York,” Assemblyman Magnarelli said. “It is exciting to have veterans organizations from as far away as Lee Center, Central Square, Utica, Richfield Springs, Auburn, Rome and Port Chester participating.”
“Not all veterans are members of veterans organizations, so this year we made an effort to include as many veterans from our community as possible,” Assemblyman Magnarelli said. “Veterans who work at local companies were contacted and will be walking in the parade with their co-workers who are also veterans.”
The goal is to line the streets with spectators who can cheer on the veterans.
Haley Kinnetz, a ninth grader in Mrs. Jennifer DeCaro's studio art class at Durgee Jr. High School in Baldwinsville, received the Best at Conveying the "Thanking Our Veterans" Theme with this painting.
