Manassas holds first military parade in Old Town

Patriotism, pride and community support for the military were on display in Manassas on Saturday as hundreds lined Old Town's streets to watch the first annual Veterans Day parade and then gathered at Loy E. Harris Pavilion for the second annual signing of the Army Covenant.

"I don't think that—particularly on Veterans Day weekend—that it should go unnoticed that in Prince William County and the City of Manassas, our whole history right up to this point in time has been built around our military going back to the Civil War," said Prince William County Supervisor Marty Nohe.

American Legion Post 10 in Manassas sponsored the parade that honored, in particular, veterans of World War II.

"It was an overdue tribute to those who served our country honorably, especially those of the Greatest Generation," said Post 10 Commander "Gunny" Lewis, a Marine veteran.

The parade, which kicked off at 11 a.m., began with a moment of silence that honored all veterans and the victims of last week's shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. Leading the parade was The Nation's Finest "First Team Honor Guard," 1st Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood.

A float and automobiles in which World War II veterans were riding followed the honor guard.

"They are responsible for giving us what we enjoy every day," said former Army Ranger and American Legion Post 10 member James Conroy, who served as the parade's emcee. He called the parade Lewis' dream and thanked the community "for making it come true."

Among the World War II veterans who participated in the parade was American Legion Post 10 member Joe Dazzo, who initially wanted to join the Navy more than 60 years ago.

"The Navy turned me down because I wasn't 5-feet-4 inches tall and the Army finally took me," said the diminutive Dazzo, who went on to participate in three amphibious landings during the war.

Cheers went up from onlookers as floats, bands, military vehicles and motorcycles made their way down the parade route.

"Isn't this unbelievable?" asked Fred Tompkins, a Post 10 member who helped to organize the parade.

Following the parade, the Quantico/Belvoir Regional Business Alliance sponsored the second annual signing of the Army Community Covenant by area representatives.

The covenant is designed to foster and sustain effective state and community partnerships with the Army and to improve the quality of life of soldiers and their families both at their current duty station and when they transfer to other states.

"I really, truly believe that while the nation provides for the military institution, it is the community that cares for the individual soldier and, today, you are truly caring for that individual soldier and I am truly honored by that," said Fort Belvoir Installation Commander Col. Jerry Blixt.

If you could not make it out to the parade, it will be broadcast on Comcast cable, channel 2 at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and again on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Military editor Julia LeDoux can be reached at 703-369-5718.