Editor

On Saturday, Nov. 19th, the New Tazewell Claiborne County Christmas Parade will also serve as a welcome home for members of the 278th.

The announcement was made last week by parade organizers. The theme of this year's parade is "God Bless America." Co-Grand Marshalls for this year's parade will be all veterans - particularly those who have most recently returned from duty, said Scott Marlow, county veterans services officer. All veterans are invited to take part in the parade.

"We're going to have room for any veterans that want to participate," Marlow said.

For more information about parade participation, veterans can contact his office at (423) 626-9802 or the VFW at (423) 626-3220.

The honored merchants of the parade this year will be Ruby Napier and Dane Miracle, two mainstays of the New Tazewell business community for more than two decades.

Napier has owned Beauty Unlimited in New Tazewell for 22 years and Miracle has owned Midway Appliances for 28 years.

The parade will start at 1 p.m. and will feature floats, local marching bands, antique cars and tractors, beauty queens, horse and buggies, horse and riders, and of course, Santa Claus.