WWII and Korean War Veteran to lead Jacksonville's prized celebration

Days before celebrating his 95th birthday, Rogers Holmes says he is ready for another thrill of lifetime.  

The retired Lt. Colonel, who many call "Tiger" will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade. 

Holmes enlisted after the bombing at Pearl Harbor, serving in both World War II and Korea.

"I hate to see the country ever slipping back into a state of not being prepared for these different emergencies that come up. The fact that we were so unprepared during my generation and the great effort that was put forth, gave me a great feeling of love for the country and feeling that it was wonderful that we could all come together like we did", said Holmes. 

Holmes served as an active duty pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps (1943-1948) and again in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1953, after the war.  He retired as  Lt. Colonel in the Florida Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force National Guard.

In 1954, he founded the Holmes Lumber Company, one of the most successful lumber and hardware companies in the Southeast United States.  It has grown to include 5 locations employing 450 people.

In 1998, "Tiger" was awarded as the International Swimming Hall of Fame Gold Medallion recipient.  

Holmes is a father of five children with eight grand children.

He says he wants to do all he can to make people understand what a great country we have, and the great sacrifices so many people have made.