The 65th annual Hawthorne Armed Forces Day Parade was held Saturday to honor active duty, retired and military members who lost their lives.
Members of all branches of the military were present during the parade, including Sea Cadets from Fallon and Carson City, Army and Marine Corps color guard and three war veteran, James Bess who was this year’s grand marshal.

Bess turned the tables on parade watchers as he took photos of the crowd.

“I wanted to take another turn down the street,” he said. “It was a humbling experience.”

The festivities began with the Elks Lodge 1704 flag ceremony read by members of the lodge and Boy Scout Troop 75, who carried the flags in front of the reviewing stand.

At twelve noon, the whistle blew as a Missing Man formation flew overhead to the sounds of “The Star-Spangled Banner”.

More than 60 entries took part in the parade. Participants included members of the local area fire and sheriff’s department, military vehicles (past and present), a drag car and even Miss Reno Rodeo.

Prior to the parade, the week’s festivities had been kicked off by a talent show, a chili cook-off, the annual art show and even a wrestling venue from Reno.
Hawthorne has been celebrating Armed Forces Day for the past 65 years. The event is coordinated by the Armed Forces Day committee who spend months organizing and inviting people to the community to participate.

Honoring those who have served in the military was the main focus of the weekend. One that was evident with the flying of Old Glory throughout our small community.