Northwest Swift sailors have marched in the Auburn WA Veterans Day Parade every year since 2003

In that first year, Joe Lavoie and Andy Miller started a tradition that has become an annual event

Backed up by two vehicles decked out with Swift banners navigated by Joe's wife Martha and his uncles

In 2004, Joe was joined by Bill Rogers, Bob Yount, Monty Montoya, Gary Smith, and Monty's son Monty Jr

Plus one or two other sailors and a Cub Scout that just happened to be in the area with a spirit of patriotism

The year 2005 was memorable for the cold biting rain and the display of the Vietnam Traveling Wall in Auburn But the weather did not deter a good group of Swift sailors from showing up to march on this emotional day

Veterans Day 2006 was a banner year for both the Auburn parade and the Swift Boat veterans participating

O.P. Lent, Chamma Buck, Steve Morrison, Monty Montonya, Bob Hunt, Joe La Voie, Dave Stevenson, Bill Rogers, Mike Lohnes

Captain Steve Morrison (Ret) Reports Swift sailors on board and ready

Familiar Swift Boat parade vehicles ready to get underway

Swift Boat veterans march in proud remembrance

While a C17 glides overhead in muted tribute

The parade always concludes in the Auburn suburbs "May we never forget" "God Bless the USA"

And the Memory of a Swiftmate Carries On Andy Miller 1944 - 2006 PCF-11 1965 - 1966