The annual Veterans Day Parade has been a fixture for many years on the local scene — going back to when the day was known as “Armistice Day”. This venerable tradition continues this Saturday, November 11, when the parade steps off in South Williamsport at 2 p.m.

The parade will honor and recognize those who have given so much for our great country. The parade kicks off at West Central Avenue and Percy Street and ends at West Southern Avenue and Howard Street. Judging is at the CVS Plaza.

Two very special veterans will be an integral part of this eight-division parade — Ernie Eakin, who will be the parade’s Grand Marshall and John Agnoni, who will serve as “Parade Ambassador.”

Eakin, the parade’s Grand Marshall, is a 96-year-old U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Eakin served in the Army from 1944 to 1945 and served in the Central European Campaign. He earned the Bronze Star, was also recognized for good conduct, and received the World War II Victory Medal. He was wounded two days before the end of the war in Europe.

He comes from a family with a strong military tradition. His great-great grandfather fought in the Civil War, his grandfather in the Spanish-American War, and his father fought in World War I. His brother also served in World War II.

Ernie and his wife, the late Marion Eakin, were married June 28, 1941 and celebrated 73 years of marriage together.

He is the father of a daughter, Kathy Steinbacher, of South Williamsport, and a son, the late Jack Eakin. He also has five grandchildren.

He still lives in the same house his father built 100 years ago, which is also where Ernie was born.

He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

John J. Agnoni, who is Parade Ambassador, and soon to be an 83-yearold, has been a stalwart on the South Williamsport scene for many years. He is an Army veteran of the Korean War.

After the army, he worked for over 21 years for the A&P Store. Along with working at the A&P Store, John purchased the Humdinger in 1969. When the A&P closed, John was out of a regular job, but free to devote all his time to the restaurant.

John’s original intention was to sell ice cream, however, he soon found himself serving up food. John, his wife Patricia, and their two daughters together made the Humdinger a Southside fixture for 46 years.

“We must have fed everyone in the whole valley,” he once said.

Through the years, he put in long days, often working 60 hours a week. It was the kind of work ethic he handed down to his two daughters and many of the other employees who learned well the value of serving the customer well.

A long time friend, Jim Webb Jr., once said of John, “He is truly one of the good guys. When I was first running around the streets of Southside as an 11 or 12-year-old boy there were two things I could count on, basketball at the St. Lawrence playground and a ham and cheese cosmo at the Humdinger. I would not even want to guess how much broasted chicken and potatoes he and his staff have served over the years or how many events John and the crew have catered across Lycoming County and beyond. I wonder how much soft ice cream was served in 46 years?”

Agnoni and his wife, Patricia are now enjoying a well-earned and enjoyable retirement.