Despite the rain and cooler temperatures, a crowd was still determined to come out for Rome’s traditional Honor America Days parade on Saturday.

It was postponed from its original date in July due to tornado cleanup.

What You Need To Know

  • Despite the rain and cooler temperatures, a crowd was still determined to come out for Rome’s traditional Honor America Days parade on Saturday

  • It was postponed from its original date in July due to tornado cleanup

  • This year's theme was "Celebrating Our Heritage"

 

Parades have a way of bringing smiles to people’s faces regardless of circumstances. That was evident Saturday, as a smaller, but determined, crowd dotted the streets of Rome for the city’s Honor America Days parade.

“This is the day that we get to honor people that fought for our freedom," said Tyler Wright of Rome.

Many people we spoke with said they’re glad the city didn’t cancel the event altogether.

“It's nice to have it, but it would have been nice if it was warmer weather," said Marsha Moreland of Rome.

“At least 30, 30 or 40 years. We're always in the same spot every year. Rain or shine. Yeah, I always enjoy it. I always look forward to it," said Joseph Stanton of Rome.

This year’s parade paid tribute to fallen Syracuse Police Officer and Rome native Michael Jensen.

It also comes after a summer of devastation, and then cleanup, from an EF2 tornado that ripped through the city.

“Mother Nature is not going to cooperate, but at least Rome is surviving. We made it through the tornado and we're going to make it through this Honor America parade here and everything. We're just going to have a good time," Moreland said.

“Romans stick together, people from Rome. Whenever there's something bad that happens, we come together and make the best of everything," said Richard Andrewski of Rome.