Parade pays tribute to military heroes

D-Day veteran serves as grand marshal

By LEIGH COLEMAN - Sun Herald

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GULFPORT — With a theme of “Serving with Honor,” the 9th annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Veterans Day Parade rolled down the streets of Gulfport on Saturday paying tribute to those who serve our country in the armed forces.

Organizers said this is the largest Veterans Day event in the southeastern Gulf Coast.

The event also honored all veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Gallery:Parade pays tribute to military heroes

“This event has been recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veterans Day regional site,” said Rob Mims of the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport.

A reception for veterans, a parade, festival, military flyovers and a day of flag-waving activities were held in honor of veterans.

A host of veterans, military musical marching units including the Naval Construction Battalion Center and Keesler Air Force Base, vintage military vehicles and displays, motorcycle clubs and community groups lined up on 19th Street and moved down 25th Avenue to 14th Street, north on 22nd Avenue, then to 24th Avenue, and back to 19th Street.

One of the special attractions for the crowded Gulfport streets was Lil’ Bill, a miniature C130 airplane, that rolled along the parade route with the Air Force Reserve 403rd Wing.

“This is all about honoring our veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Master Sgt. Michael Duhe of the 403rd Wing.

“We like to use Lil’ Bill in parades because it is eye-catching and raises awareness about the Air Force Reserve.

“But community service means more than anything and this day is for our veterans as every day should be.”

The grand marshal was retired Command Sgt. Maj. Adelchi Pilutti.

Pilutti served in the U.S. Army Airborne from January 1941 until November 1945.

He was assigned to the Headquarters Detachment Company of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

The unit participated in Operation Overlord and jumped into Normandy on June 6, 1944.

On July 13, they were transported back to England.

Of the 2,056 troops who participated in the D-Day landings, only 995 returned.

The regiment suffered 1,061 casualties, of which 307 were killed in action.

“I appreciate what our veterans have done for us and so I came out to the parade today,” said Bill Holcomb at the parade.

Veterans Day is held on Nov. 11.