Hollywood home to Portland’s Veterans Day parade

Hollywood will host the 37th annual Ross Hollywood Veterans Day parade Nov. 11, 2011. The parade begins at 9:45 a.m. at Northeast 40th Avenue and Hancock Street and travels east on Northeast Sandy Boulevard to Northeast 48th Avenue.“This is a wonderful event for Hollywood,” said Jo Schaefer, parade co-chair. “It’s our chance to show our appreciation for veterans, active military and especially their families who bear the burden when their loved one is deployed. We have many bands and marching entries this year, including the historic horse-mounted Buffalo Soldiers Moses William Chapter of the 9th and 10th Calvary.”The Ross Hollywood Veterans Day parade is the only parade in the Portland area held on Veterans Day. Harold Ross, founder of Ross Hollywood Chapel, which continues to sponsor the annual event, first organized it.Army veteran Dr. George Timmons, 91, Portland, will serve as this year’s grand marshal. Timmons was originally sent to the Pacific Ocean Theater of WWII as a member of a military band. However, he soon had to trade his trombone for a rifle and became part of the Army’s 41st Division’s fight with the Japanese on Biak Island off New Guinea’s Papua coast. Following his military service he served as assistant dean of education at Portland State University and led a swing orchestra for several years.“This is an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to those who have served in our nation’s military and those who serve today,” said Michael Wolfe, general manager, Ross Hollywood Chapel, located in the Hollywood area. “Showing our support is especially important to veterans and active military families when our country continues to be engaged in two conflicts affecting many Oregon families.”Parade participants will include marching bands, the historic horse-mounted Buffalo Soldiers Moses William Chapter of the 9th and 10th Calvary, military service organizations and marching bands. Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops will participate with parents and military veterans.A memorial presentation at the Ross Hollywood Chapel, 4733 Northeast Thompson Street, will follow the parade. Covered seating will be available for seniors and those with disabilities.Veterans are also invited to attend a free USO-style show following the presentation at the Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 Northeast 40th Avenue. Hollywood entertainer Tony Starlight, Tony Starlight’s Supper Club and Lounge, will showcase music from the World War II years and refreshments will be served.