POCATELLO — Local people of all colors, creeds and beliefs gathered for the annual Pocatello Veterans Day Parade on Saturday morning, putting the Gate City’s patriotism and gratitude toward those who’ve served on full display.

With Frank Sinatra playing over loudspeakers, troves of people assembled along the American flag-lined sidewalks around Caldwell Park awaiting the parade’s start.

A short time later “Sweet Home Alabama” could be heard amid the crowd’s anticipation for the flyover by A-10 combat aircraft that would kick off the second annual Veterans Day Parade following the event’s decades-long absence from the community.

The scene was a perfect slice of Americana with a live band playing patriotic songs straight out of 1776, complete with the rapping of drums and the high-pitched notes of a flute, and children giggling and gallivanting around.

But the event’s undertone was one of seriousness that freedom is not free and that the freedoms our nation’s veterans fought for were to allow future generations the opportunity to live in a great nation and pursue the American dream.

The booming roar of a pair of A-10 “Warthogs” interrupted the pre-parade music as the Idaho Air National Guard jets rocketed above Center Street, signaling that the parade had officially begun.

A Pocatello police motorcade led the Idaho State University Reserve Officers’ Training Corps color guard and the crowds lining the parade route stood in respect as a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner provided the event’s opening soundtrack.

Following them was the Civil Air Patrol’s Pocatello composite squadron, an auxiliary unit of the Air Force, and then the parade marshal, Army Col. Craig Nickisch, who walked in front of the ISU band as it marched through town on the parade route.

Idaho Army National Guard armored vehicles, still painted desert tan from their last deployment, and then a POWMIA truck followed.

As members of the local POWMIA group threw candy to the crowd from the truck, parade announcers Paul Anderson and Melissa Hartman reflected on the thousands of American military personnel still missing in action around the globe.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars had three floats in the parade. The first was driven by Kelly Woods, a retired Air Force veteran, and represented Pocatello’s VFW post, followed by the Blackfoot VFW float led by Steve Faulkner and then the Preston VFW float led by Casey Roberts and Randy Moore who rode in a vintage World War II Jeep.

Also participating in the parade was Jennifer Lynn, a local singer, songwriter and musician who wore a resplendent bright blue dress for the occasion.

The sights and sounds of the parade included a number of Boy Scouts, floats and vehicles representing a wide variety of veterans groups, local military recruiters, and clusters of veterans from the various branches of the military all receiving a warm welcome from the thousands along the parade route.

The float with a large black replica of the USS Idaho fast attack submarine was led by the local submarine veterans association and was followed by the Idaho Central Credit Union entourage and then the Knights of Columbus float.

The Pocatello Valley Fire Department rolled along Center Street clanging a metal bell for all to hear. Among the fire trucks was Maj. Grace Jacobson, a nurse in Operation Desert Storm who taught nursing at ISU for several years.

The Pocatello Elks’ very patriotic float with many different military branch flags was led by Bruce Boehning, who served in Vietnam in the Navy, and by Larry Huber, who was a captain in the Air Force.

One vehicle in the parade flew two large American flags and was dedicated in memory of Pete J. Hanges, Pete Hanges Jr. and veteran Michael Stevenson. Another had a mock casket draped in an American flag and a lone rifle and helmet reflective of a fallen soldier. Described as the “Never Forget” float, it honored those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

A semi had an illustration of a huge Navy aircraft carrier while another displayed the image of an eagle and American flag. The trucks were driven by retired Navy veterans Thomas and Patricia Teddy.

There is much gratitude for the parade committee members who helped make the parade a reality such as Vietnam aviation veteran Richard Hollingsworth, retired Navy officer Marshall Riggall, Mike Meyers, retired Army Maj. Steve Roberts, Hiedi Young and Navy senior chief Mike Evans. Thanks and appreciation were also expressed for Army veteran Mike Brennan and Vietnam veteran Ken Wright for their contributions.

If there is one great unifier that brings the different military branches together, it is their dedication not only to the United States of America but to freedom.

A veteran’s service is one of guardianship to protect what’s at the core of being an American — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.