The longest running military parade returns to Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The city of Chattanooga hosted the 76th armed forces parade.

Every year the Armed Forces Parade marches on, it solidifies itself in history.

Captain Mickey McCamish is United States Navy Retired and the parade organizer.

He says, “The parade to us veterans, since most of us went that route, we marched in the parade and then went to serve on active duty in the military. The parade is very special to us.”

Chattanooga is deemed the most patriotic city in America because of this achievement.

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann attended the parade again this year. He had this to say.

“76 years uninterrupted. The president of the United States knows this. People all over the world know this. Veterans and active military know this. Chattanoogans’ hearts are with those who serve.”

For 76 years this parade has been happening. And for 17 years one MC has been reminding Chattanooga the importance of this parade.

Chip Chapman is the longest running Armed Forces Parade MC.

He says, “We also have again our memory car of our armed forces members and veterans who have gone home. We thank these folks for coming out and providing us another reminder of why we are all here.”

The parade has been around for almost a century and yet still features new events. This year the parade honored the newest branch of the military, the Space Force.

McCamish says, “Even though this is the 76h year, it is the first year for the Space Force. Our newest branch of the military. It is special for Chattanooga to have the commander of the space force here, General Saltzman, as our keynote speaker.”

The general made his way to Chattanooga to explain the importance of the new branch.

General B. Chance Satlzman is the Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force.

He says, “We are no longer the only nation that recognizes the incredible opportunity that space affords. Space is a national interest for more than just the United States. Where national interest is found, competition, crisis, is sure to follow. That is why we have a Space Force.

The General had a mission for Chattanoogans.

He added, “Please spare a moment to think about your nation’s newest military service. We are still in the process of building ourselves into what our nation needs us to be and we need help. Encourage young people to consider a career in the Space Force and educate your neighbors.”

Next year the parade will be on May 1st.