The Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival welcomed the Phillie Phanatic, Swoop, Franklin the Dog, Phang and two members of the Flyers Ice Girls for a team jersey presentation to five residents of the Delaware Valley Veteran Home, 2701 Southampton Road.
The Phillies Phanatic presented a Phillies jersey to Edward Powidzki, who served in the Coast Guard from 1952-54.
Swoop presented an Eagles jersey to Marine veteran Earl Williams, who cheered, “E-A-G-L-E-S.:
Franklin presented a 76ers jersey to Marine veteran Earnest Williams, who was wearing a hat that read, “First to Fight for Right and Freedom.”
Phang presented a Union jersey to Army veteran David Gama.
The Ice Girls presented a Flyers jersey to Vince Vallorani, an Army veteran wearing a “Veteran for Trump” hat.
The office of state Sen. Sharif Street presented the honorees with citations.
The mascots also mingled with other residents, many of whom were dressed in sports jerseys.
The event featured food, highlights of the top moments in Philadelphia sports and songs such as the Rocky theme, We Will Rock You, Here Come the Sixers and The Eagles’ Victory Song (Fly, Eagles Fly). ••
