(November 6, 2004) -- With America at war on unprecedented fronts, LB Eighth Annual Veterans Day Parade brought young and old to upper Atlantic Ave. between Harding Ave. and 56th St. in the Top of the Town on Saturday, Nov. 6.

LBReport.com provides expanded photo coverage below.

The weather was perfect, and parade watchers and participants were exuberant. LB photojournalist Diana Lejins showed up in roller-skates.

This year's parade saluted the U.S. Coast Guard, in which 9th district Councilman Val Lerch served for 23 years.

For the second year in a row, Councilman Lerch exited his parade car and walked part of the way along Atlantic Ave., greeting the crowd to much applause.

U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Kevin Eldridge served as Grand Marshal.

His personal decorations include two Legions of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Commendation Medals with operational device, the Army Commendation Medal, three Achievement Medal with operational device, and the Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon. He also holds BSE and MSE degrees from in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan.

LB community activist Don Darnauer -- Commissioned Warrant (Specialty) Officer, U.S. Coast Guard (retired) -- was Honorary Military Grand Marshal. Parade organizers described Mr. Darnauer on their web site in part as follows:

Here comes LB Mayor Beverly O'Neill.

And LB Vice Mayor Jackie Kell, with retired Mayor Ernie Kell at the wheel.

1st district Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal.

Red, white and blue 8th district Councilwoman Rae Gabelich with son, Guy. Councilwoman Gabelich, elected earlier this year, acknowledges cheers from the crowd. The parade route includes part of her Council district.

Likewise in patriotic attire, 6th district Councilwoman Laura Richardson.

LB power-couple Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga and LB Community College Trustee Roberto Uranga.

4th district Councilman Patrick O'Donnell (dark sweater), also newly elected this year, atop a fire truck.

LB City Manager Jerry Miller, also atop a fire truck.

[Photographer's comment: We missed a better shot when our overworked camera jammed, our apologies. A camera with a decent telephoto lens is on LBReport.com's "Strategic Plan" for FY 3000].

Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald (D., Carson-LB). Re-elected earlier this week, she represents roughly 80% of LB.

LBPD Chief Anthony Batts, riding in a hot-rod styled Police Car complete with flame decals and a loud muffler. The driver gunned the engine and spun the wheels, but no one made a citizen's arrest.

LBFD Truck from Station 11 makes the turn at 56th St. without any casualties.

Friends of LB Animals paraded with War Dogs.

Deborah Turner with "Wheelin' Willy." Over her shoulder, Friends of LB Animals' Shirley Vaughan.

Cheers were loudest for those in uniform.