Del Webb Lakewood Ranch's Bob Sharak, a U.S. Army veteran, was enjoying the free veterans dinner at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall before he headed out to march in the Tribute to Heroes Parade May 26 in front of thousands of cheering spectators.
"It's just the acknowledgement of our service," said Sharak, who was a first lieutenant in the service. "This is tremendous."
The appreciation by veterans was echoed over and over at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, which once against hosted the parade, one of Lakewood Ranch's signature events.
"It is great, and this event is getting bigger every year," said Del Webb Lakewood Ranch's Paul Roy, who was in the Navy for 23 years.
"This is such an honor for our community's veterans," said Dave Daily, the commander of VFW Braden River Post 12055.
John Skeen, a 105-year-old Army veteran said the outpouring of love and respect during the parade left him feeling "overwhelmed."
Sarasota 4-year-old Alona Hymel is in fashion, sporting the beads she collected at the Tribute to Heroes Parade in Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Jay Heater
North Port 11-year-old Jovany Ramos gets an unexpected, but fun, visit from street performance artist Joe Abel.
Photo by Jay Heater
Sahib Shrine's Frank Metheny leads his group's entry in the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
Photo by Jay Heater
World War II veteran John Skeen, 105, enjoys a front row seat during the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
Photo by Jay Heater
U.S. Coast Guard veteran Jim Klocke enjoys a special ride during the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
Photo by Jay Heater
Some parade participants, such as Lakewood Ranch's Meredith Sweeney, were just clowning around.
Photo by Jay Heater
For the first time, the parade used temporary fencing to separate the crowd from parade participants.
Photo by Jay Heater
Ceremonial Master Mark Nelson waves to the crowd from the Sahib Shriners Oriental Band float.
Photo by Jay Heater
Graham Ellis and Dave Daily of VFW Braden River Post 12055 enjoy those marching in the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch 6-year-old Ella Dean enjoys a petting zoo rabbit during the block party before the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
Photo by Jay Heater
Miss Florida Ultimate Kaitlyn Graybeal, a Lakewood Ranch resident who attends Cardinal Mooney, shows off her wave as she rides in the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
Photo by Jay Heater
Mission Barbecue brought its military truck to ride in the Tribute to Heroes Parade in Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Jay Heater
Meals on Wheels Plus Manatee marches in the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
Photo by Jay Heater
Bob Sharak and Paul Roy of the Del Webb Lakewood Ranch Association of Veterans and Military Supporters enjoy the veterans dinner at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
Photo by Jay Heater
Jacob Cunningham, a tuba player for the Lakewood Ranch High Marching Mustangs, gives it his all.
Photo by Jay Heater
Singer Chantelle Campbell entertains the crowd before the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
Photo by Jay Heater
Many in the thousands who attended the Tribute to Heroes parade brought American flags with them.
Photo by Jay Heater
The Knights of Columbus make their way down Lakewood Main Street.
Photo by Jay Heater
Robert Ricciardo of Crewe of De Soto said marching in the parade would be tough because it was so hot, but "it's what we do."
Photo by Jay Heater
Lana and Alex Vovkulin who own the Foam Gator foam party business of Sarasota, enjoy the bubbles with their 4-year-old daughter Charlotte, before they get ready to participate in the parade.
Photo by Jay Heater
William Jacques of the Knights of Columbus hands out goodies to the crowd during the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lauren Bradley and Zach Bradley, mounted officers for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, make their way down Lakewood Main Street during the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch's Eric Laschke, a former New York City Police Department officer, was happy to see former NYC fireman Steve Lubrino selected as the parade grand marshal.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch 9-year-old Olivia Zeller enjoys the Tribute to Heroes Parade with Matelyn Favero (to her left), also a 9-year-old Lakewood Ranch resident.
Photo by Jay Heater
The Tribute to Heroes Parade will move from its usual May date on Memorial Day weekend to November and Veterans Day weekend.
Photo by Jay Heater
World War II veteran John Skeen chats with the East County Observer's Lori Ruth during the veterans dinner at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall before the Tribute to Heroes Parade. Ruth always helps organize the dinner.
Photo by Jay Heater
Members of the Lakewood Ranch High Marching Mustangs practice before the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
Photo by Jay Heater
The Santa Claus Drill Team once again was a hit at the Tribute to Heroes Parade in Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Jay Heater
Beads were in the air at the Tribute to Heroes Parade and kids tried to collect as many as possible.
Jay Heater is the managing editor of the East County Observer. Overall, he has been in the business more than 41 years, 26 spent at the Contra Costa Times in the San Francisco Bay area as a sportswriter covering college football and basketball, boxing and horse racing.
