Burien’s Fourth of July Parade began with heartfelt honor as local veterans led with flags, stories, and service across generations.
Starting off the Burien Fourth of July Parade was a color guard featuring members from American Legion Post and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. Meet the members:
From the American Legion:
- Chuck Rangel, post commander, served in the Army and was stationed in the U.S.
- Mike, holding the post flag, served in Iraq
- Anthony R., holding the U.S. flag, served all over the world
- Keith M. served in Germany
- Al G. served during the Vietnam era
- Chris P. served in the Gulf War and in Iraq
- Oliver (seated in front) began service at the tail end of the Vietnam War in 1975, then had a long career “chasing people on a list.”
From the Veterans of Foreign Wars:
- Kyle, holding the flag, served in Iraq
- Joe, post commander, served in Iraq and Afghanistan
- Martin served in Vietnam
- Jacob served in Afghanistan
Two Flags, One Purpose
Although the American Legion and VFW are distinct organizations, many veterans belong to both. The VFW is open only to those who served in direct combat or military operations outside the U.S.—places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, and Vietnam. The American Legion, in contrast, welcomes all who have served in the U.S. military, regardless of location or combat experience…