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Braving cold weather conditions, The Salvation Army in Portland, Ore., marched in the 40th annual Ross Hollywood Veterans Day Parade.
Despite the weather, crowds lined the streets along the 0.6-mile parade route through Portland’s historic Hollywood district to acknowledge U.S. veterans.
“It was a bitterly cold day in Portland, but the warmth of the parade spectators warmed us from the inside out,” said Major Nancy Dihle, Cascade divisional secretary for program and Portland Metro coordinator. “The Army was well received by many.”
Also representing The Salvation Army were Captain Raymond Dihle, Cascade divisional secretary for business; Major Kenneth Perine, Portland Tabernacle corps officer; Lt. Kalani Onitsuka-Adams, Portland Tabernacle assistant corps officer; Amy Bogden and Teresa Steinmetz from Cascade divisional headquarters; and Dallas Spacal, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who attends Portland Tabernacle Corps. They accompanied a Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services canteen, driven by David Swanson (DHQ).
Lt. Kalani Onitsuka-Adams, Captain Raymond Dihle, and Amy Bogdon
“[Due to] to the cold and windy conditions, I did not think there would be much of a crowd,” Ray Dihle said. “It did my heart good to see the large crowd…waving, clapping and yelling out ‘Thank you!'”
A ceremony honoring veterans followed the parade. The gathering included Senator Ron Wyden, Senator Jeff Merkley, Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown, and several city commissioners. Ray Dihle–a Navy veteran–opened the proceedings with a prayer, and Perine–a Marine veteran–closed with a prayer for American veterans everywhere.
The Ross Hollywood Veterans Day Parade began in 1974 when local businessman and veteran Vernon E. Ross began the parade, welcoming anyone who wished to participate to honor veterans.
“Portland really loves their vets,” Onitsuka-Adams said. “God bless Portland, our troops and the USA!”
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