Newberry to Welcome Returning Afghanistan Veterans

NEWBERRY ‒ Military veterans returning from Afghanistan will be welcomed home to Newberry and honored for their service. Major Stroupe and event organizer Bob Watson of Newberry American Legion Post 149 invited the Newbery City Commission to participate in a parade and expo at the commission’s Aug. 23 meeting.

The event will take place on Sept. 25, kicked off by a parade at 10 a.m. with Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe as Grand Marshal.

Other parade participants include this yeaar’s Watermelon Festival Teen Queen, Gainesville American Legion Post 16 Motorcycle Riders, Buchholz High School Young Marines and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), military vehicles from the National Guard Division 631 in Starke, floats from Concerned Veterans for America and Newberry Post 149 American Legion, Newberry Fire Department Fire Trucks and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) vehicles along with Alachua County Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr.

The parade route begins at The Produce Place, 25040 W. Newberry Road, and runs through downtown to the First Baptist Church, 25520 W. Newberry Road.

Following the parade, the event will continue at Clark Plantation Event Venue LLC, 3700 S.W. 202^nd Street, Newberry.

“There will be a lot to see and do at the Expo,” said Watson. A display of old cars, military and other vehicles will be available, kids games, face painting, food trucks to keep everyone hydrated and fed, raffles and a silent auction with amazing gift items will be part of the day.

To help veterans and their families adjust to a different lifestyle, information booths will be available to help with housing, counseling, employment opportunities and a whole host of other useful information will be available to help smooth the transition from war time to peace time.

A formal welcome home ceremony will take place following the parade beginning with The Star-Spangled Banner, a color guard and an open prayer. Well wishes from area dignitaries will also round out the welcome home event.

Live music from area bands will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until 9 p.m. A list of bands and their performance times will be available closer to the event.

“This is planned to be a fun day for veterans, their families and area residents to help welcome home those in the military who have been away from their families and friends overseas,” said Watson.

More sponsors are always appreciated and all proceeds will benefit American Legion sponsored veteran projects. For more information, contact Bob Watson at 352-262-5068 or Lynn Reeves at 386-365-2137.

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