A Very Special DeSoto Parade

A VERY SPECIAL DESOTO PARADE

The annual DeSoto Parade, one of the largest and oldest parades in Southwest Florida, was once again, a huge success! More than 200,000 people lined the streets of our home to watch the illuminated floats and to check out the new Hernando DeSoto, Captain of the Crewe, and the newly crowned Queen and Princess.

A VERY SPECIAL DESOTO PARADE

This year was particularly special. John & the AMOB Family had the honor of meeting 97-year-old Corporal Steve Lewis from Palmetto. Steve was in the United States Army at the outset of World War II and is the last surviving Buffalo Soldier (The name “Buffalo Soldiers” came from the Cheyenne Indians for their appearance and bravery.), where he was assigned to the Ninth Cavalry Division, one of the two U.S. Army African-American cavalry units. After the Civil War, the Ninth Cavalry Regiment was formed to escort settlers along the western frontier, and to fight in the late 19th Century Indian Wars.

 The annual DeSoto Parade, one of the largest and oldest parades in Southwest Florida, was once again, a huge success! More than 200,000 people lined the streets of our home to watch the illuminated floats and to check out the new Hernando DeSoto, Captain of the Crewe, and the newly crowned Queen and Princess.

In the Ninth Cavalry Regiment, Steve learned how to ride a horse for the first time and to fire a .45 pistol from horseback. After the Ninth Cavalry Regiment was deactivated, Steve was reassigned to the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. His role was noncombat, but essential to supply soldiers on the frontline.

After his much appreciated military service, Steve earned a degree in agriculture from Florida A&M and proceed to teach high school in Manatee County at Lincoln Memorial for more than 30 years.

Cpl. Steve Lewis is a staple, a hero, and an honor here in Bradenton. Thank you, Steve, for your years of service, and thank you to those who continue to serve.  

A VERY SPECIAL DESOTO PARADE  A VERY SPECIAL DESOTO PARADE  A VERY SPECIAL DESOTO PARADE

Related Posts

PACE Winner

To the luckiest duck of all,   Congratulations on winning the Anna Maria Oyster Bar raffle prize for the Lucky Ducky Race for Pace Manatee! 

Thank You for a Great 2022!

What a memorable year 2022 was…in so many ways, wonderful and exciting….and in so many ways, challenging…and I know many of you can relate. We’re

John Horne Named FRLA Chair | Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Earlier this month at the Hospitality Stars of the Industry gala event, surrounded by our executive team and general managers, I officially became the Chair of the Board of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. It’s truly an honor to have the opportunity to represent and advocate for the hospitality industry in this way. Read more about why the FRLA is so important to me and the initiatives at the top of my to-do list.