What's a parade without a Manatee marching band?

On Nov. 11, the Manatee County Veterans organized and marched in a parade to celebrate and honor all the veterans in Manatee County. The venue was superb (as usual) in Palmetto and special thanks to Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant for the warm welcome and support she has always provided. Most all of the high schools were represented by their Junior ROTC organizations and they were appreciated.

I was bothered by the lack of support provided by the high school marching bands, none showed up. The only music was provided by the Bradenton Christian School, which did a great job. Where were the public high school bands? Couldn't the Manatee County schools send at least one marching band from the several wonderful bands in the county? This is the second year in a row without a marching band. The school officials who make these decisions should be ashamed for not supporting this parade.

A disappointed veteran,

George Johnston

Bradenton

This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "What's a parade without a Manatee marching band? ."