A day of honors

Jenna White, 10, wearing a shirt honoring the late Bruno de Solenni, points at a parade entry during the Veterans Day event. Del Norte Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

Veterans who served in various wars were met with applause from hundreds of spectators as they strolled or rode in the procession.

Susan Presba-Morris came out to support the veterans in the parade and soldiers heading off to foreign soil, such as her son.

Army Pfc. Matt Morris, 19, is deploying to Kuwait on Monday.

“I really think it’s important for our community, for the men and women who have served and are serving,” said Presba-Morris, whose other son, Mike Morris, marched in the parade with the Del Norte High School band.

The Rev. Frank Epperson, left, sprinkles holy water on a plaque honoring American veterans of the Iraq and Afgahistan wars outside the law offices of Mario de Solenni (pictured) during a post-parade ceremony Friday in Crescent City. Del Norte Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

Bonnie Webb, a fifth-grade teacher at Pine Grove Elementary, encouraged her students to support the troops by offering extra credit for those who attended the parade.

When it was over, attorney Mario de Solenni unveiled a plaque at his G Street office building, renamed the Afghan Iraqi War Building, commemorating soldiers from the “State of Jefferson” region who were killed at war or have suffered severe injuries.

“We have no idea how many guys lost limbs,” said de Solenni, standing outside of the building. “I think they need to be honored, too.”

He is the father of Bruno de Solenni, who served three tours and was the only local soldier to die in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Parade grand marshal Maj. Aadam Trask, a retired Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot, and Bruno’s mother, Calie Martin, also spoke.

Martin gave her opinion of how to support the troops.

“The journey begins at home,” said Martin. “I think if you want to honor our veterans you should be the best person possible.”