Vero was bursting with patriotic pride as veterans from the five branches of service – Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard – participated last Friday in the Vero Beach Veterans Parade along Ocean Drive.
According to parade organizers, the Indian River Veterans Council and Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce, it was the first since World War II.
The veterans were joined by members of law enforcement, local dignitaries and politicians and, most poignantly, by family members of military men and women currently serving and of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The one-mile long parade was halted by Sexton Plaza to pay tribute to Gold Star Mother, Michelle Dale, whose son, Cpl. Dale J. Kridlo, 33, was killed in action Nov. 7, 2010 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.
Accepting the honor, she proudly introduced his twin daughters Madelyne and Zoe Kridlo.
PHOTOS BY LEAH DUBOIS AND PHIL SUNKEL
