More than 100 veterans and service members of all branches of the military marched in the 101st annual Portland Rose
Festival Grand Floral Parade June 7.
For more than 100 years, the spectacle of the city’s Grand Floral Parade has defined the Portland Rose Festival as one of
the world’s great celebrations and is the main highlight of the festival.
The USS Preble (DDG 88) color guard drill team marched down the streets holding American flags with pride during the
parade as thousands lined the streets of downtown Portland in anticipation of the largest single-day spectator event in
Oregon.
One Oregon native, Deanna Lovett, said she is proud of the military’s presence.
“It’s great to see the men and women who serve for our country are able to grace us with their presence,” said Lovett.
“I love watching the parade each year and, this year, there are more service members who got to participate and it’s wonderful.”
For Fire Controlman 1st Class David Mason of Preble, being part of the parade was a great experience.
“It’s definitely a good to be part of the city’s celebration,” said Mason. “We have received a lot of support from the
community since we’ve been here and this was my first time being in a parade.”
The parade featured numerous all-floral decorated floats, dancers and high-stepping marching bands.
“This event really broadened my horizons on things, especially just coming off of deployment,” said Fire Controlman
3rd Class (SW) Stefanie Cooper of Preble. “It was great to see people cheering us on as we marched around. The community
really touched my heart by their warm welcome and hospitality.”
The Grand Floral Parade was sponsored by numerous local businesses and the Portland Rose Festival Foundation (PRFF),
which is a nonprofit organization that oversees the planning and execution of the programs and events of the festival.
“This was an amazing experience,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Charles Spears. “Marching in the parade was a really great
feeling and I am looking forward to participating in more parades. Hopefully we can do this again next year.”