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A 1943 Vultee Valiant (top), owned by Stuart and Linda Glenn of LaPorte and serviced by LaPorte Aviation’s John Landwerlen, flies past the courthouse accompanied by other local aircraft. To the crowd’s delight, the vintage aircraft buzzed the route several times. Photo by Mike Kellems
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The LaPorte Jaycees honored LaPorte County’s history, lifted up a couple of young heroes, and managed a flyover without the government’s help, all under perfect skies. Not a bad Fourth of July 2013.
The 1943 World War II vintage plane (above) that the Jaycees found to replace current military aircraft (banned under budget cuts) won over the crowd as it rumbled over the parade route repeatedly. The “Honoring History” theme was well represented by Grand Marshal Fern Eddy Schultz, LaPorte County Historian, as well as the appearances of a LaPorte-made Rumely Oil Pull and Allis-Chalmers tractors. And young Honorary Marshals Neilah and Jaidyn Maule (and their cousin, Audrey Spitler) were officially applauded by the community for their courage in the face of great odds.
Here are some scenes from another Jaycees success.
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Friends and family, wearing special T-shirts celebrating the special day for the girls, surround Neilah and Jaidyn Maule’s car to give them hugs and high fives. The girls, who survived a serious car accident a year ago, were honorary parade marshals. Photo by Lindsey Cooper
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Neilah (center), held by her mom Kelly Crites Maule, and Jaidyn (right) greet family and friends. Photo by Lindsey Cooper
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A cool down-the-middle shot takes in the whole parade scene with Michigan City Police motorcyclists leading the way. Photo by Mike Kellems
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A youngster basks in the glory of LaPorte’s Fourth (and waves to the flyover pilots) just before the parade begins. Photo by Mike Kellems
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A row of cuties enjoys the festivities. Photo by Lindsey Cooper
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Despite getting a ride in the parade, a youngster has had quite enough, thank you, of the siren blaring from the brand new LaPorte Fire Department truck. Photo by Benji McDonald
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Parade Marshal and LaPorte County Historian Fern Eddy Schultz gets a ride in the rumble seat. Photo by Lindsey Cooper
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A Rumely OilPull advertises the future Rumely/Allis-Chalmers heritage site at the fairgrounds. Photo by Lindsey Cooper
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First step off is a doozy from this trike. Photo by Lindsey Cooper
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Another great panorama of the parade scene as the planes fly over. Photo by Mike Kellems
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The special shirts worn by the Maule family and friends. Photo by Benji McDonald