Dover AFB helps city salute Irish heritage

  • Published
  • By Susan Walls
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Everyone seems to become Irish on St. Patrick's Day ... and that's no blarney! Despite the cold, windy weather and 40-degree temperatures, more than 1,200 spectators lined Dover's Loockerman Street Saturday, for the 14th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. More than 110 entries participated in the event.

Nearly 50 members of Team Dover helped its host city celebrate the "Wearin' of the Green," with a hometown parade, musical entertainment and a unique opportunity to experience the dining, shopping and attractions that continue to expand in downtown Dover.

The Dover Air Force Base Honor Guard led the parade carrying Old Glory, the Delaware Flag and Air Force Flag.

Grand Marshall of the 2007 parade was Mike Sullivan, owner of the Colonial Barber Shop. Mr. Sullivan has owned the business for more than 30 years and is an active member and supporter in the city's historic downtown district. "I'm very honored by the committee selecting me to be this year's Grand Marshall," said Mr. Sullivan.

Members of the 436th Security Forces Squadron pitched in and brought McGruff, the Crime Dog, and representatives from the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron brought their 1994 Kovatch Mobile Equipment Engine 9 to the parade.

A contingent of more than 30 members from the Detachment 3, 373rd Training Squadron located here, marched in unison in their battle dress uniforms.

According to Ed Perez, director of Main Street Dover Inc., they were selected to receive the Leprechaun Award, an honor bestowed upon the Best Brigade/Marching Unit in the 2007 parade.

"We were thrilled to have them join the line-up this year," said Mr. Perez. "Staff Sgt. Braderick Adams, flight chief, brought an impressive group of military members. They really did an awesome job in their first parade," he added.

Sergeant Adams will receive the Leprechaun Award publicly at 7 p.m. Monday in City Hall's Council Chambers.

Under the leadership of Drum Major Mark Mumford, the Smyrna's Citizen's Hose Band also thrilled the crowd with festive and patriotic tunes.

The band is just one of a handful of fire company bands remaining in the U.S. Since 1947, the band has won hundreds of awards in local and national parades. In 1997, they represented the State of Delaware in President Clinton's inaugural parade. They've traveled abroad to Dublin, Ireland, and gave a concert in St. Patrick's Cathedral and paraded in several cities and towns in the Emerald Isle.

Wing leadership from the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings added to the parade line-up. Col. Sam Cox, 436th Airlift Wing commander, and Col. Ronald Rutland, 512th Airlift Wing commander, greeted the crowd from the cockpit of the T-37 Liberty Belle aircraft.

From classic cars, fire trucks, beauty queens and politicians, to Dover High School's Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard and their award-winning Drill Team, the 2007 Dover St. Patrick's Day Parade had something for everyone.