FORT BLISS, Texas--More than 300,000 spectators lined the streets of downtown El Paso for the 72nd annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade, held on Thanksgiving morning.
This year's parade featured the most floats since 1973, as well as the continued participation of Fort Bliss Soldiers. Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert S. Rodgers, commanding general and command sergeant major of Fort Bliss, respectively, marched at the head of the parade and stood at attention for the playing of the national anthem. Also participating in the parade were members of the 62nd Army Band and numerous wheeled military vehicles.
Ray Camby of El Paso said coming to the Sun Bowl Parade is an annual event for his family that gives him and his relatives the chance to spend time together during the holidays. Camby said the parade was excellent, adding, "It always is."
"I'll tell you what: It kicks [the holiday season] off," said Camby. "If you notice, there are different generations of people who come here. A lot of our kids are in the bands or on the football teams that represent El Paso; that's who we come to cheer on."
Eleven-year-old Trinity Camby said she has been attending the parade "almost all [her] life; almost every Thanksgiving," and enjoys seeing the clowns and large balloons. Watching the parade gave Trinity the urge to join in, she said.
"When I saw the horses, I felt like I want to ride them; it was awesome," said Trinity. "When I saw the people dancing at the end, it made me want to join them."
Alannah Lopez, 8, said the parade really got her into the spirit of the holidays.
"It was fun; I enjoyed the cars," said Alannah. "My favorite part of the parade was the people dancing."
Both Camby and Trinity offered special messages to the servicemembers who will be away from their families for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"To my sisters and brothers in uniform overseas: Even though they can't be over here, happy Thanksgiving and happy holidays," said Camby. "I hope the good man takes care of them."
"I want to give a special shout-out to the people in Iraq: Rock on!" said Trinity.
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