Clydesdales Trot Through Annapolis During Military Bowl Parade: Video

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Military Bowl parade marched through downtown Annapolis on Wednesday morning. The Duke Blue Devils (9-4) defeated the UCF Knights (9-5) by a score of 30-13 in the bowl game later that afternoon.

Parade highlights included the Budweiser Clydesdale horses and an unofficial anti-war protest after the event ended.

The hitch of eight Clydesdales jingled with bells as they pulled Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley on a carriage. This video shows them trotting down West Street.

The protesters stepped in right after the last parade unit passed and the street reopened for public access. The protest was not part of the official Military Bowl-sponsored event.

A pick-up truck drove a float decorated as a tank. That tank was painted with anti-war messages like "Human rights matter on the streets" and "Nos estan matando," which is Spanish for "They are killing us." Speakers on the float played the song "War," whose chorus sings "War, what is it good for?"

That truck also had a peace sign and a sticker that said "#1 world polluter is military." A protester marched alongside the truck, carrying a flag with the logo of Veterans For Peace, a global nonprofit that speaks out against war.

The protest surprised paradegoers like Phil Vivaldi, who acknowledged their free speech rights but called their demonstration "untasteful."

"That's not what it's all about. This is the world we're in right now," the Eastport resident said. "Everybody has their opinions ... It is what it is."

A video of the protest is posted here.

Vivaldi has attended about five Military Bowl parades. This one lived up to his expectations. He applauded UCF's marching band, pointing to its hundreds of members.

"I thought it was phenomenal having a 400-piece band come through this event," Vivaldi said. "I think it was the first time it's ever been that big here in the City of Annapolis."

This clip shows a portion of the band's performance.

Other notable parade participants included Medal of Honor recipients, the USO and American Legion members.

Several police and fire departments partook in the procession, as did many honor guards. Some of the non-military participants were Miss Maryland and the president mascots for the Washington Nationals.

More than 60 units were involved in the parade, which marched from City Dock to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

"I think it's just a great cause for the city," Vivaldi said. "It brings everybody together."