Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony Saturday In Yardley

YARDLEY, PA —Yardley Borough will pay its respects with a Veterans Day parade and ceremony on Saturday.

The event begins at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Delaware and Afton Avenue ( River Road), across from the Yardley Inn, said Russell Davidson, commander of VFW Post No. 6393.

Lower Makefield Township held its Veterans Day festivities last Saturday.

This year’s Yardley’s Keynote speaker is Pennsylvania VFW Commander John August Otte.

Otte is the commander of Pennsylvania VFW District 8. He has filled duty positions in almost all District 8 offices, serving as a VFW National Recruiter, the Department of Pennsylvania Recruiting Chair and Co-Chair, and across the national VFW ranks in every known capacity as a Liaison Officer.

More notably, he is the originator and present anchor of the Pennsylvania Veterans Forward podcast, Davidson said.

Otte is also a past commander of Chalfont VFW Post 3258.

During his tenure, he led the members to All-American Post status. This was the first All-American Post recognition for 3258 and the highest VFW award a Post Commander can achieve.

Otte is a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He served as a Military Police Investigator and as a Digital Forensics Analyst in Korea, and in combat operations during Desert Storm.

For his time in service, Otte was awarded the Southwest Aisa Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

He holds a master’s degree in digital Forensics from Norwich University, and a Master of Business Administration from Penn State University, Davidson said.

"The enormity of Otte’s military and civilian career work cannot be overstated. His responsibilities cannot be discussed. Otte finds the problem, identifies the culprits, implements corrective action, and gains restitution and prosecution across international platforms. Among his peers, he stands almost unrivaled," Davidson said.

"Yet within our ranks, and amid deliberations, he remains humble, and to his assigned duties, doggedly committed to what is needed," Davidson continued. "He is widely respected, and sought after by VFW leadership, professional headhunters, and associates. He is a visionary leader, always prepared, and always inspiring improvement."