By Steve Tawa

MEDIA, Pa. (CBS) – Like clockwork, the 53rd annual Delaware County parade began at 11:11 Monday morning at State and Edgemont Streets in Media, Pa. and was followed by a ceremony outside of the Courthouse.

The parade featured high school marching bands, first responders, and of course, veterans, who all passed in front of the Courthouse.

Veterans at the 53rd annual Delaware County parade (Credit: Steve Tawa)

Guest speakers included Senator Bob Casey, a member of the foreign relations committee and Colonel Wilbur Wolf with the Pennsylvania National Guard.

“Today and forever more we shall always remember and never forget the honorable service of all generations and on every tomorrow we repay to you some of that which you have earned, by your service to this nation,” Wolf said.

The theme this year was “The New Greatest Generation” referring to those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I’m overwhelmingly pleased that the new greatest generation have been actively supported and celebrated like the World War II veterans, who are most honorably known as the greatest generation,” Wolf Said.

Ceremony outside the Courthouse in Media, Pa. (Credit: Steve Tawa)

One of the most moving elements at the courthouse ceremony was the flag passing involving veterans of all wars and area students. Everyone passed an American flag and P.O.W.M.I.A flag from one generation to another honoring the legacy of all veterans who have served and sacrificed.

Also, three 6th graders sat in the front row of the reviewing stand for their essays that challenged grade schoolers to think about war and freedom in new ways.