Parade makes triumphant return in downtown Butler
The red, white and blue was out and the cheers were louder than usual at Thursday's Veterans Day Parade, which made its triumphant return to Main Street after a pandemic hiatus last year.
“It was awesome, a beautiful parade,” said John Cyprian, director of the county's Veterans Services department and longtime parade coordinator, “one of the biggest we've seen in a long time.”
He said high school bands from six of the county's seven school districts performed patriotic music for delighted paradegoers, who clapped and cheered loudly for veterans groups, 101-year-old World War II veteran Jim Davis, fire trucks and ambulances, multiple scouting troops, youth organizations, equine groups and others in the parade.“There were too many to count,” Cyprian said of those who marched or rode down Main Street.
One marcher the crowds were thrilled to see was Marine Corps veteran Bob Losser, 64, who led the parade south on Main from Penn Street to the county courthouse.Losser, a Marine Corps veteran who appeared in uniform with the aid of a walker this year, suffered a medical event in May while marching in the Memorial Day Parade and fell onto the pavement.“He said, 'I'm gonna make it up there, no matter what,'” said Cyprian. “He made it.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, was one of several elected officials who marched in the parade.He said the U.S. Census shows his district is home to 45,204 civilian veterans, making nearly one in 15 residents a military veteran.“I personally want to thank those who have risked their lives to keep all of us free and safe,” Kelly said. “On this Veterans Day, let us never forget those who sacrificed to protect our nation and rose to serve during times of war and peace.”
Smiles as bright as the unusually warm November sun greeted those who appeared in the parade, as young and old alike roared for each participant.Brody Littlejohn, 7, and his sister, Elizabeth, 10, watched the marching bands and other entrants from their vantage point on a curb on North Main Street.“We're here to see the veterans because they served for us,” said Brody.Elizabeth also appreciates the veterans, as her grandmother, Army veteran Dolly Littlejohn, recently died.Their mother, Shawna Littlejohn, said her father-in-law, Wayne Littlejohn, was a Junior ROTC teacher at Butler High before retiring.“We've brought the kids to the Veterans Day Parade since they were little to show respect to those who took time out of their lives to serve our country,” Shawna Littlejohn said.
Hayden Mazzanti, 14, attended the parade with a few friends, but made sure he showed his respect and appreciation for all the veterans who passed by.Hayden, who has many veterans and active duty military among his family members, especially enjoyed the veterans who participated in the parade.“It shows the community all the sacrifices they've made and how they've come along,” he said.
His friend, Colton Vidas, also 14, also enjoyed the veterans in the parade.“It's nice to see how many people sacrificed for us,” Colton said.
Matthew and Valerie Harbison of Connoquenessing brought their 2-year-old son, Holden.“We brought him so he could enjoy the appreciation for the men and women who served from Butler County,” Matthew Harbison said. “And he really likes big trucks.”
Sue Birch of Connoquenessing Township added a star-spangled scarf to the chic denim ensemble she chose for the parade.Her husband rode his motorcycle in the parade with the American Legion Riders.She summed up the thoughts of all who attended the 2021 Butler Veterans Day Parade.“I came to show support because the veterans are the ones responsible for our freedom,” Birch said.Cyprian was thrilled with the turnout on Thursday.“I want to thank everyone for showing their support for the veteran community,” he said. “Butler is a patriotic community and loves their veterans.”
