Armed Forces Day Parade tradition rolls on

By Katrina Crumbacher
Midwest City Beacon

As paraders threw candy, kids holding plastic bags, empty Hiland ice cream buckets or recycled Easter baskets swarmed to pick it all up, just as they have for nearly four decades.

Saturday marked the 38th Annual Armed Forces Day and Shriners Parade, which featured the likes of Del City Mayor

Floyd Eason, Miss Oklahoma, the Pride of Del City marching band and more. Even the Oklahoma City Thunder mascot Rumble made an appearance ahead of Sunday’s game against the Denver Nuggets.

Vehicles promoting the gubernatorial campaigns of Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former House Speaker Charles McCall rolled through. Rep. Max Wolfley, who represents Midwest City and parts of Oklahoma City, showed up in a decked-out vehicle to push his reelection campaign.

The India Shriners who take part in the parade every year said they do it to support Shriners Hospitals for Children.

“We’re out here having fun, helping kids, and what grown man don’t want to drive around in a little mini car,” Shriner Gary Perry said.

DeeDee Yeary, a 26-year employee at Tinker Air Force Base, said it was her first time to see the parade.

“The cars have been great. The kids have enjoyed it,” Yeary said. “Without a doubt, we’ll be back next year.”

Cars are a parade staple in Del City. The Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual car show at Destiny Christian Center in June, but this is the first time the Chamber oversaw the particulars of throwing the parade. In years past, the city handled the logistics.

After the parade’s end, Chamber Director Josh Shultz took to Facebook to thank people.

“First, I want to thank all of city staff for making this parade possible,” Shultz wrote. “Without everyone from Police, Fire, Public Works, City Hall, and their families, this would not be possible. Thank you for trusting me and helping get this thing done.”

Shultz went on to thank his girlfriend, teacher Julie Glisson, for her help, Mayor Floyd Eason and the City Council for their trust and the Del City Chamber of Commerce Board for their support.

“To the citizens, thank you for coming out to support our men and women of the Armed Forces,” Shultz wrote. “I hope you had a wonderful time and that your kids (and yourselves) got plenty of candy.”

He also thanked and honored Public Works Director Brittany Parrott, who has organized the parade for several years, and those who have served or are serving in the military.

“Most importantly to our Active Duty, Reserve, Guardsmen, and Veterans, this parade is for you. We do this to show our support and honor those who wear and have worn the uniform and took the oath to protect our country. Appreciate all of our entries for coming out to honor our amazing men and women in uniform.”