Motorcycles lead Veterans Day parade

The rumble of nearly 200 motorcycles kicked off the Veterans Day parade Saturday on Main Street.

Parade organizer John Montano said the parade included 26 entries this year, about a third smaller than usual.

“People who did come out did outstanding,” he said. “Overall it was a great parade.”

American Legion Post 25 won best overall entry for the fifth year in a row, garnering the traveling trophy to keep.

Post 25 Commander Johnny Harris said everyone pitched in to make the float.

“I feel like we should get more organizations and veterans involved,” he said. “We all got together to make it happen.”

Harris said veterans should be celebrated.

“They’re the ones who make this a free country,” he said.

The American Legion Post 25 exhibit honored veterans and service members of the past, present and future. Two teams of Army Special Forces were included on the present float.

Capt. Steve Pomella said the teams are here to train at Cannon Air Force Base.

“They asked if we would like to participate, and it was a no brainer,” Pomella said. “We look for opportunities both here and abroad to interact with and develop good relationships both with base personnel and the local community.”

Veteran J.D. Cole with the Shriners said the Shriners attend a dozen parades a year around the state. The Shriners won third in the miscellaneous category.

“We have to honor our veterans,” he said. “That’s why we’re still free and the greatest country in the world.”

Parade winners

Overall — American Legion Post 25

Floats

1 — Aco. 717th BSB New Mexico National Guard

2 — VFW Post 3015

3 — AmVets Post 14

Veterans organizations

1 — American Legion Post 25

2 — U.S. Marines

3 — American Legion Post 117

Businesses and organizations

1 — Bill’s Auto Service

2 — PRMC Home Healthcare and Hospice

3 — Code Blue Clovis

Youth groups

1- Air Force JROTC

2 — Cub Scout Pack 411

3 — Boy Scout Troop 226

Other and miscellaneous

1 — High Plains Motorcycle Riders

2 — High Plains Horseman’s Club

3 — Clovis Shriners Group