The parade, sponsored by the Blair County War Veterans Council, started at 10:30 a.m. from the corner of Eighth Avenue and 17th Street. The route followed down 17th Street to 12th Avenue. From there, it continued to 12th Street, turned onto 11th Avenue and ended at 15th Street.

City resident Rick Faust drove his Willy’s Jeep in the parade with his Central Pennsylvania National Guard and Volunteers Association friends, Gary Adams and Gary Clare.

Faust said he joined the United States Army right out of graduating from high school in 1971. He served the country for four years and enjoys driving his Jeep in the parade.

“When I drive it and people wave, I get a good feeling,” Faust said.

Mirror photo by Matt Churella

Likewise, Blair Tower residents Butch McMillen and Jack Reed said it meant “everything” to them to watch the parade go by.

McMillen was in the Navy and served in the Philippines from 1967-69, while Reed served as a member of the National Guard.

“It’s the most wonderful feeling that you can imagine,” McMillen said of watching the parade with his friend, adding he followed his father’s footsteps into the service.

When McMillen went to boot camp, he thought he made the biggest mistake of his life by joining the Navy. But after three weeks, he was able to use a telephone to call his father, who told him, “Butch, did you ever think about following directions?”

“The Navy was easy after that,” McMillen said. “It was fun.”

City residents (from left) Gary Adams, Gary Clare and Rick Faust prepare for the Altoona Memorial Day parade Monday. The three represented the Central Pennsylvania National Guard and Volunteers Association in the parade. Mirror photo by Matt Churella

Many who walked or drove in the parade expressed gratitude for those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation.

“We wouldn’t be free if it wasn’t for them,” said state Rep. Lou Schmitt of Altoona, adding his father was a World War II combat veteran.

Salvation Army Altoona Corps. Major Chris Blessing said it was a “monumental deal” to participate in Monday’s parade.

“The Salvation Army has the right and privilege to do what we do because of people who served and people who sacrificed,” Blessing said.

Danielle Jagel from Faith Baptist Church of Altoona said the church’s members participate in the parade every year to honor fallen soldiers and those who currently serve.

Altoona Area High School band director Larry Detwiler walks on 17th Street with the school’s marching band Monday during the city’s Memorial Day parade. The school’s color guard, majorettes and silks also participated in the parade. Mirror photo by Matt Churella

“It’s a blessing to be able to remember those who have given their lives for the country,” Jagel said.

Imagine Wrestling wrestler Aaron King, known professionally as “Mr. USA,” said he walked in the parade to honor his father’s legacy. His father was an Army veteran who passed away two years ago, King said.

“I’m glad to be a part of this great organization with all of these fine people,” King said, noting it was a beautiful day outside. “You’ve got to love Altoona and love the USA!”

Newburg Fire Department firefighter Haley Parks said Memorial Day is an important day for her and her family. Her father died in 2007 while serving in the Army.

Parks said she joined the Newburg Fire Department about a year ago to honor her father’s memory since he was a firefighter who ran with the department.

Karlee Beck of Hollidaysburg holds her son, Aston Beck, 6, as they watch the Altoona Memorial Day parade together along 17th Street. Mirror photo by Matt Churella

Altoona Area High School band director Larry Detwiler said he and his students enjoy walking in the parade every year to give back to the community. About 120 students participated in the parade this year, he said.

“We just always like when we can give back to the community,” Detwiler said. “We’re one of those groups that’s really fortunate because the community has always given to us. They’ve always shown support to the things that we do in school.”

Marty Baronner and Frank Rosenhoover, members of the Blair County Democratic Party, also participated in the parade.

Baronner served in the United States Air Force from 1960-64. He said it “means a lot” to represent the country in his military uniform.

“I’m up in my 80s now, but I still love this country and I like to represent it in this uniform,” Baronner said.

Danielle Jagel and Dave Kolarczyk from the Faith Baptist Church of Altoona prepare their float for the city’s Memorial Day parade Monday. Mirror photo by Matt Churella

Rosenhoover served in the Army from 1986-88 and said he was “very proud” to be part of the parade.

“I appreciate it more than I could ever say,” Rosenhoover said of the opportunity. “It’s a small thing to do to appreciate your country and do something for (fallen soldiers) because they’ve done so much for us.”

Madi Garber, 9, of the Altoona ShowTwirlers group, said she was “very grateful” to be in the parade, too.

“You have to be very grateful that you’re actually doing it because some people don’t get to do this,” Garber said.

Parade marshal Stephen Nader, the war veterans council’s treasurer, said his father was a World War II veteran with three purple hearts and a bronze star. Nader said he feels very close to many veterans and will do whatever he can to support them.

Mike McDonough, the Blair County War Veterans Council’s commander, said it’s a lot to put the parade together, but it’s well worth it for the area’s veterans and their families.

Hollidaysburg resident Beth Anne Buscema said she enjoyed watching the parade with her family.

After the parade, a Memorial Day service was held at the Robert E. Laws Veterans Mall along 11th Avenue, where Altoona Mayor Matt Pacifico delivered a proclamation. The United States flag was raised, the National Anthem was sung, taps were played and a rifle salute was given.

Chris Buscema, the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center’s assistant director of operations, was the keynote speaker for the service.

Buscema said Memorial Day is a time to pause and honor the men and women who laid down their lives in service to the nation.

“As someone who has the privilege of serving veterans every day at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, I am reminded daily of the courage, sacrifice and selflessness of those who served — especially those who never came home. We remember them not as statistics but as people,” Buscema said.

Buscema asked those in attendance to “never forget the cost of freedom” and to support and uplift family members of fallen soldiers.

Prior to the service, Pacifico said he was proud of the parade’s “awesome” turnout.

“The people of Blair County and the city of Altoona have always been supportive of this parade in coming out and showing their support for the men and women who have fought for our freedom,” Pacifico said.

Jaffa Shrine clowns wave at onlookers while participating in the Altoona Memorial Day parade Monday on 11th Avenue. Mirror photo by Matt Churella

Friends JoAnn Allee and Francis Baronner wave their American flags as they watch the Altoona Memorial Day parade along 17th Street. Mirror photo by Matt Churella

Jaffa Highlanders band members participate in the Altoona Memorial Day parade Monday on 11th Avenue. Mirror photo by Matt Churella

Kaiden Sral waves a United States flag Monday along 12th Avenue as the Altoona Memorial Day parade passes by. Mirror photo by Matt Churella

Juniata resident Jacob Plummer picks up a Kit Kat candy bar on 17th Street during the Altoona Memorial Day parade. Mirror photo by Matt Churella