The Cobre Valley Independence Day Celebration welcomes back Sergeant James Licano as Grand Marshall in this year’s parade.
In 2011, then Specialist Licano joined the parade and was looking forward to reenlistment. Now Sergeant Licano is looking forward to retirement this October after twenty years serving in the Army National Guard as a mechanic.
James, a resident of Miami and Miami High School graduate, is not the first in his family to serve his country in the armed forces. His father, Paul C. Licano served in the United States Air Force and also the Army. His brother, Paul A. Licano, served in the Marine Corps and later in the Army being deployed to Afghanistan. DJ James, as his friends know him, saw his time in active warfare being deployed to Iraq. Currently, Sergeant Licano is stationed out of Phoenix, AZ, as part of Gulf Company, 29th Brigade Support Battalion. His specialties included, not only turning wrenches and keeping the United States Army on the road to victory, but he shoots expert with M220 anti tank missile launcher, .50 Caliber machine gun, M320 grenade launcher, and M4 rifle.
Join us on Sullivan Street in Miami on Thursday, July 4, 2019 to celebrate the courageous and honorable service of one of our hometown heroes. Find a good spot by 8 a.m. around Veterans Memorial Park to enjoy the classic American melodies performed by the Celebration Band. Get ready to celebrate at 8:30 a.m. as the Opening Ceremonies for this year’s patriotic parade begins. It’s not too late to join the parade. However humble or however bold a float you can dream, be a part of the fun and make cherished memories for the 243rd year of the Independence of these United American States. Parade entry forms are available for pickup and drop off at the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce or the Miami Town Hall.
