By KRISTI MAYFIELD
As the storm clouds gathered and the rain moved in, that didn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd gathered along Pontiac Street to watch the Veterans Day parade as it glided by on Monday morning, Nov. 11. Many of the entries featured veterans of all ages and ranks, and families lined up to wave their flags jubilantly as they honored the veterans that drove by in classic cars, in Army Humvees and even on tractors.
As Ray Mendes, who served in the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, noted, “It means a lot when people come out to support events like this because it means that they remember you and what you did for this country.”
Mendes, who drove his family tractor in the parade, a tractor which has been in the family since 1946 and is still churning away, was proud to be a part of the event that honors not only those veterans who returned home but those we’ve lost as well.
From those who have served in the past to those currently serving, there was a multitude of supporters from Blue Star Moms to spouses and friends on hand to express their gratitude. Monica Cochran, a proud Blue Star Mom to Gabriel Cavazos, Staff Sergeant of the 115th Regional Support Group of the Army National Guard, shared how much she appreciates her son’s service to his country and how the support and connection to the other Blue Star Moms has really helped her, especially during those times when he has been deployed.
Amongst the crowd, there were many volunteers and groups that helped make Monday’s parade and ceremony following at Fish Park such a success, including Cub Scout Pack 365. Anna Wooten, Scoutmaster, noted how one of the core values of the Cub Scouts is an attitude of reverence and through their community service the scouts are demonstrating that reverence to our veterans.
“We want them to know how much we appreciate their service and that is why we do things like today and Wreaths Across America, which is coming up in December, because we want to instill that reverence in them,” said Wooten.
Of the entries, the Army Humvee was the most popular for many of the kids and adults at the event. Staff Sergeant Jesus Sanchez, Specialist John Bowden and Private Jonah Waldemer drove the Humvee during the parade, much to the crowd’s delight. When asked what inspired their commitment to service, Sanchez mentioned that he was in middle school when the events of Sept. 11, 2001 took place and it made an indelible impression on him and shaped the course of his life. Waldemer looked to his grandfathers, both of whom served in WWII, one even earning a posthumous purple heart.
One thing was clear and that was that even during uncertain times of struggle and divisiveness, our nation and our community in particular, places those who serve and those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the highest regard.
Following the mid-morning parade, the Veterans Day program at Fish Park – including a flag burning ceremony done by the Scouts – went off as scheduled, though those in attendance dodged some raindrops. Guest speaker was local veteran Jason Dillon; there was also a free lunch provided.
