FLORENCE — Pee Dee residents adorned in patriotic colors and waving American flags lined several Florence streets Saturday morning for the annual Pee Dee Patriotic Parade.
The parade began seven years ago as a way to honor civilians and public safety personnel who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT
See more pictures from the parade in a slide show from Morning News photojournalist Angela E. Kershner, click here.
To many the parade is a time to show how much they appreciate living in the United States.
For others, like Florence resident Joyce Davis, it was a time to show gratitude for those who served in the nation’s armed forces.
“My son just completed 20 years of military service in the army, and I’m just glad that by God’s grace he’s finished and he’s home,” she said.
Davis said she’s so very proud of America, and if she was visiting another country she would have plenty of positive things to say about her home.
“America is still the land of the free and the home of the brave,” she said. “It is the best country in which to live, grow and to excel as an individual.”
People from other countries realize this too, Davis said.
“This is why so many people risk their lives just to get to America, because they feel like they would have a better opportunity here,” she said.
The parade has expanded in recent years to honor U.S. armed forces veterans.
But Florence resident Susan Lynch says the reason she came to the parade with her family was to commemorate the victims of Sept. 11.
“I just remember what happen seven years ago, and I think it’s a great way to remember the man and women that died and their families,” Lynch said.
While some might forgotten about the tragedy, Lynch said the bulk of Pee Dee residents probably feel the same way she does—patriotic.
“We just thank God that there were these people, these rescue workers that gave their lives. They gave their all to help people,” she said. “They didn’t know what was going to happen, and their families were left behind. My heart just goes out to them.”
Most of the participants marching the parade route were with ROTCs or JROTCs, such as Florence resident Denesha Perry, a student at Wilson High School.
“I wanted to participate because it’s for the twin towers ... and because I like ROTC,” Perry said. “(The U.S.) to me is the best country to live in. It’s a good life.”
The parade also included participants from several local fire departments and law enforcement agencies. Businesses and local officials were part of the festivities, too.
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