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Crowds of flag-waving onlookers lined C Street in Virginia City to give tribute to veterans during the annual Celebration of Heroes Memorial Day Parade on Saturday.
This year, a special salute went out to the Bolander family, the grand marshals for the parade. Staff Sgt. Bryan Bolander, 26, was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq on April 29, 2008.
The parade featured old military vehicles, custom hot rods and a host of historical Virginia City characters in costume who marched down the street, some with guns blasting.
With only 18 entries, the parade was a little shorter than past years according to event coordinator Karen Woodmansee.
"For a lot of the older vets, their health is failing, and the younger ones don't seem to be interested in parades," Woodmansee said. "Of course, a lot of the younger ones are deployed, too."
The Memorial Day weekend activities were supplemented by a new event this year, the Battle Born Showdown car show, staged along E Street by the Ramada Virginia City. The event was put together by two area car clubs, Mugrosos and Dead End Cruisers.
The show featured food and gift booths and a stage where four bands were scheduled to play. There also was a raffle and a pin-up girl contest.
"We've had a car club for a couple of years, and we've been wanting to put on a show somewhere, and thought this would be the best place," said Kevin Morrison of the Mugrosos club. "We had about a hundred cars, which for a first show is phenomenal."
Lone Mountain service
Lone Mountain Cemetery invites the public to the Memorial Day services, 1 p.m. Monday 1044 Beverly Drive. The service will last approximately one hour with various speakers honoring those who gave their lives. Call 887-2111.
Calvary Pentecostal honors veterans
The Calvary Pentecostal Church invites all military families and veterans as special guests to be honored with a patriotic service, 11:30 a.m. today, 220 W. Winnie Lane. All are welcome to attend, non-military as well, in support of our troops. The Calvary Pentecostal Church launches a new ministry "Adopt Our Soldiers" that will adopt local soldiers and families providing care packages and spiritual support. Following the service a complimentary barbecue lunch will be served at Mills Park. Seating is limited. For information and to RSVP, call 882-2238.
Veterans of Foreign Wars to lead tribute
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dayton Valley Post 8660 will lead a tribute to those veterans who lost their lives in the defense of their country, 9 a.m. Monday at the Dayton Historic Cemetery. The American Legion Post 56 Honor Guard will fire a salute followed by the playing of Taps. Call 246-9374.
Marine Corps to hold ceremony
The Marine Corps League Silver State Detachment No. 630 will hold a brief ceremony to honor those that have died in past wars 10:30 a.m. Monday at Stewart Indian Cemetery and noon at Lone Mountain Cemetery. All are invited to attend. Carson City High School JROTC will provide the honor color guard. For questions, call 790-0260.
Sierra Interfaith Action for Peace
Sierra Interfaith Action for Peace will hold its annual name reading/flag planting ceremony for those Americans who have died in Iraq, 1-5 p.m. Monday at the Thompson Federal Building, 400 S. Virginia St., Reno. As names are read, people will be invited to plant flags as they wish. Those who have died fighting in Afghanistan will be added this year. Call 784-1945.