MEMBERS OF THE DOBSON HIGH SCHOOL ROTC PROGRAM MARCHED TODAY IN MESA’S VETERANS DAY PARADE. (Photo by Tony D’Astoli/Tribune)

The organizers of Mesa’s Veterans Day Parade never have enjoyed the same level of support as their counterparts in Phoenix or Tempe — even when the city of Mesa picked up all of the costs of closing  streets, providing traffic control and cleaning up afterward. After the city cut off public funding three years ago because of budget constraints, those organizers have struggled just to keep the event alive. This year, veterans groups were worried because they had raised enough private donations to pay for the parade, but not enough for advertising to invite the public to attend.

After watching today’s parade in downtown Mesa, I’d say those worries were overblown and patriotism is alive and well here. A good crowd filled in both sides of Center Street to clap, cheer and salute as veterans, high school bands and active military rolled by. You can watch a video and a photo slideshow

    (Photo by Le Templar)

A high number of entries made for a long parade, another important sign of support. The only downside was large gaps appeared between groups several times, prompting some people to think the parade was over and wander away. Hopefully, organizers can recruit more volunteers next year to keep the parade closer together and lift up everyone’s interest in watching.

    (Photo by Le Templar)

For more scenes from the parade, you can watch a Tribune video and a photo slideshow.