Another show of thanks in Media was a program that included tributes to women in the armed services, including the parade’s grand marshal, Master Sergeant Tanya Harris of the Air Force and Air National Guard.

“I think it’s important for people to know that women are in the military too, we’re not just secretaries and admin assistants,” said Harris. “They’re pilots, they’re navigators.”

As part of the program, middle school students read essays they’d written in honor of inspirational women in the military.

Morgan Vaughn of Levittown wrote about her stepmother, Tiquicia Spence, who serves full-time with the Army National Guard.

“She works really hard for her family and her country, so I find that inspiring,” said Vaughn.

“Being an inspiration for her and any other kids, it always hits home,” said Spence.

The parade and program brought together people of all ages.

“You’ve got the real McCoy here,” said World War II veteran Ed Buffman, the founder of the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum.

The County of Delaware and its Intermediate Unit helped with the celebration in Media as well.

People like VFW Post volunteer Kelly O’Loughlin appreciate the chance to show veterans how much they mean to the community.

“Show them respect,” she said. “That’s the key to life.”