Fort Myers honors veterans in fifth annual parade

This year’s Fort Myers Veterans Day parade marshal worked to keep the U.S. safe from North Korea when he was on active duty.

The City of Fort Myers’ fifth annual Veterans Day Parade marched through the streets downtown Saturday.

“I was in the JROTC program for four years,” Parade Marshal Cameron Westfall said. “And I’ve taken part in the JROTC, stood in their boots before, and it’s funny to be on the other side of this.”

The candy and confetti were a stark contrast for Westfall, U.S. Army specialist, from his position in missile defense while stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

“It’s air defense,” Westfall said. “So, we protect the skies from ballistic missiles.”

Westfall remembers his experience as a member of JROTC honoring veterans in the parade.

This year, Vance Carew, a Fort Myers JROTC member, honored his veterans downtown.

“I got goose bumps during the speech because I was thinking about how much veterans sacrificed for our country,” Carew said.

Veterans like Tom Donoghue watched the parade march down Jackson, Main and First Street downtown.

“It was great seeing all the ROTC units out there,” Donoghue said. “Because so many times — I’m a Vietnam Veteran — we didn’t always get the best deal coming back. It’s nice to get recognized.”

Carew said he marched to do just that.

“It’s really sad because these people served for our country and yet some of them don’t feel that support from the civilian world,” Carew said. “I want to share that support.”

The American Legion Post 38 told WINK News, participation in the parade was at a record high, as they dedicated the ceremony to Senator John McCain, who died this year.

Westfall is proud of the support for veterans received at the parade.

“Having the schools and the ROTC cadets come out here and take part, it just makes you feel better,” Westfall said.