NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA — The annual NEPA Armed Forces Day Parade moved past the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in Northeast Pennsylvania on Saturday, featuring veterans organizations, community groups, military vehicles, and marching bands. The day began with a 5K race and concluded with a community celebration near Courthouse Square that included music, food, and information about resources available to veterans.

Carmen Falcone and Matt Evans drove vintage military vehicles in the procession, continuing a decades-long tradition of participating in the event. Among the marching band members were Ethan Ritter and Scarlett Stanton of the North Pocono marching band.

Stanton, a freshman who had participated in only one prior parade, said before the procession began, "I'm really excited. It's a great day."

Bradford Rossetti, who lives at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, watched the parade alongside his wife, Frankie Rossetti, who held an American flag outside the center Saturday morning while waiting for the procession to pass.

Clinton Gregory, an Air Force veteran, said the parade reflected a growing respect for members of the military. He said the country has come a long way from the 1970s, when veterans of the Vietnam War often burned their uniforms upon their return home. Gregory noted that most parade goers were veterans or family members of veterans.

The Veterans Administration in Pennsylvania provides medical and social services, including those available at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. The community celebration near Courthouse Square also featured information about resources available to veterans.

Chris Shrive, an Army veteran and member of Flatland Ruckus, performed a Toby Keith tribute at the community celebration. It was his first time at the event, and he said he was impressed with the crowds it drew. "I'm honored to be here," Shrive said.