Veterans who served in every conflict from World War II to Afghanistan participated in the annual Carbon County Veterans Day Parade on Sunday in Lehighton.

The five-division march, hosted by the Lehighton American Legion Post, included veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the war in Afghanistan.

Patriotic floats and military equipment lined the streets, with patriotic music played by eight bands, including high school bands from all five schools in Carbon County.

Fire apparatus, Scout troops, floats from several groups and organizations, antique vehicles and athletic groups also participated.

The Lehighton Ambulance had two vehicles bearing posters with pictures of members who served in the military.

The grand marshal was Clarence Smoyer, a native of Lehighton who is recognized as one of World War II’s most legendary tank gunners.

He is most noted for his actions during the battle for Cologne, Germany, in which he fought a dramatic duel with a German Panther tank at the city’s cathedral.

The engagement was filmed by an Army cameraman and the footage appeared in newsreels worldwide.

He remains one of the last living heroes of the legendary Spearhead Division.

In September of this year, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his World War II heroism during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Gold Star parents Michael and Sarah “Sally” Wargo of Lehighton were parade marshals.

Their son, Michael, took his own life on May 20, 2013, after serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army.

The Wargos volunteer at the Valor Clinic Foundation, visiting veterans in nursing homes.

American Legion, UVO and VFW members represented every post in Carbon County.

Special military veterans groups participated, including the Carbon Schuylkill Marine Corps League, Lehighton Korean War Last Man’s Club, Carbon County Vietnam Veterans Club, Carbon County Navy Club and U.S. Submarine Veterans Pocono Base.

Henry Desrosiers, retiring director of Carbon County Veterans Affairs, marched in the parade. Incoming director Christine LeClair, an Iraqi war veteran, marched with the Lansford American Legion Post.

The parade was well-attended, with spectators present along the entire route.

The Lehighton Police Department led the parade.