Rancho Bernardo 4th of July Parade
At 1400 hours, Wednesday, 4 July 2007 the following personnel reported to 2Lt David Saavedra, at the parade staging, Bernardo Center Drive and Lomica Drive, Rancho Bernardo for the start of the 38th annual "Spirit of the Fourth Parade."
CADETS
C/2Lt Joseph Connolly, Cadet Cmdr
C/2Lt Matthew Corey, Flight Cmdr
C/SMSgt Douglas Saavedra, Color Guard Cmdr
C/MSgt Chandra Murphy
C/TSgt Alex Ramos, First Sergeant
C/SSgt Daniel Gorin
C/SrA Joshua Flewellen
C/A1C Laura Brown, Color Guard
C/Amn Spencer Beaulieu
C/Amn Bryan Marshall
C/Amn Brent Timm
C/Amn Alec Benter, Color Guard
C/Amn Courtney Ellis, Color Guard
C/AB Scott Lynch
SENIOR MEMBERS
Capt. Dennis Ammann, Sq. Cmdr
2Lt David Saavedra, Proj. Officer
SM Anthony Ramos
After assembly, 2Lt Joseph Connolly discussed last minute marching strategies with his staff concerning the parade route. All personnel checked their uniforms, color guard equipment, and CAP banner prior to walking to the squadron’s assigned spot. The temperature that day was hovering in the low nineties, so water and other drinks were issued out to all concerned before the start of the parade. Mrs. Marla Lynch, mother of Cadet Scott Lynch and his sister Bridgette provided water while trailing behind the formation with their small wagon.
At about 1505 hours 2Lt Saavedra ordered Cadet Connolly to move his squadron to spot #73 and wait for the parade to begin, taking advantage of a nearby shade tree to wait under.
After waiting about 40 minutes, the squadron officially entered the parade marching behind the United States Air Force Color Guard Team from March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, CA. The squadron was led by the 2Lt Saavedra and Capt Ammann holding a CAP banner. Next in line was the Squadron 144 Color Guard, and finally the Parade Flight to the cheers of onlookers and spectators. Numerous shouts of "Go Civil Air Patrol", "Thank you for your service" and "Squadron 144 you rock” were heard from the crowd throughout the 1¼ mile parade route. It was also noticed that the spectators along the sides of the street stood up, removed their hats, and placed their hand upon their heart as the USAF Color Guard approached.
The highlight of the parade was passing before the reviewing stand and hearing the parade announcer introduce us as, "A first time entry of the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, San Diego Cadet Squadron 144, emphasizing aerospace education, emergency services and cadet programs since 1941. Visit them at cap.gov". At the appropriate moment the Cadet Commander gave the command, "Eyes Left!" as the squadron marched past the reviewing stand, looking very sharp!
The parade included several high school marching bands, numerous vintage and historical vehicles, all branches of the military and their respective color guard units, numerous veterans organizations, several highly decorated retired military members, including a medal of honor recipient, and several medal of valor awardees, public representatives, the Mayor of San Diego, and dozens of community organizations.
At 1650 hours the squadron marched to the dispersal area and came to a halt where the command to “Fall Out!” was given. Everyone gathered for a few group photos which included MSgt Mendoza from the March ARB Color Guard. He came over to congratulate the cadets about how well they marched, their military appearance, and bearing and that his color guard was very honored to march in front of San Diego Cadet Squadron 144. The feeling was mutual as the squadron also felt honored to be led by the sharpest military color guard in the entire parade.
Closing announcements and congratulations were extended to the cadets and their contribution to this high public relations profile event for CAP and Cadet Squadron 144 in particular. Grateful acknowledgments were made to all the parents gathered who supported their cadets to make this an outstanding event.
Special acknowledgments went to Mrs. Jen Murphy, Mrs. Barbara Saavedra, Mrs. Kuei-Mei Ammann, Mrs. Marla Lynch and Miss Bridgette Lynch for their individual contributions of refreshments, water wagon escort, billfold, cell phone caddie, and staying alert for any needs of the cadets during the parade route.
Respectfully submitted,
2nd Lt David Saavedra
