The Armed Forces Day Parade returns to Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The 77th Annual Armed Forces Parade returned to Chattanooga today.

Another year means another Armed Forces day Parade.

Mickey McCamish is a retired US Navy Captain. He has been apart of this parade for decades.

He says, “This is the 77th year for the Armed Forces  Parade in Chattanooga. The longest continuing running Armed Forces Parade in the nation. We are labeled the most patriotic city in America. This parade is one of the reasons we have earned that label.”

Although the parade went off without a hitch, that doesn’t mean the planning wasn’t crazy.

McCamish discusses the troubles with getting the Coast Guard to Chattanooga.

He says, “Each year we rotate the branch of service. This year is the Coast Guard. Right until the last minute the coast guard was able to participate with DHS funding.”

Now that the Department of Homeland Security has been fully funded, the Coast Guard rejoined the parade as the headliner.

McCamish says, “The Coast Guard, to their credit, recognizes the significance of this event. What they did is Admiral Watson, now the commandant of the 26th Coast Guard district. He ordered the fly over and gave permission for the inland water land Cutter to come aboard.”

This parade is extra special as it marks the kick off for America 250 celebrations in Chattanooga.

“This year we have about 135 units participating. America 250, there will be a float in that, that signifies Chattanooga and Hamilton county’s kickoff for our areas celebration of America 250. This parade is leading that mark,” says McCamish.

One thing this parade does is bring generations together.

McCamish says, “Yes, we have made it to the 250, now let’s look to the next 250. Who is going to carry that? That is these young people that are a part of the parade, part of placing the flags at Chattanooga national cemetery this may, and then the wreath across Chattanooga at Christmas time. That is who will carry the next 250.”

Here’s to another 250, for the land of the free, and the home of the brave.