American Legion to honor veterans at annual parade
Laurel American Legion Post 19 will honor veterans on Sunday, Nov. 12 at the 5th Annual Eastern Shore Veterans Day Parade in downtown Laurel.
This year's theme is, "We Don't Know Them All, But We Thank Them All," which honors all the men and women who served in the United States military.
This year’s Grand Marshall is Luther W. Travers, 90, who served in World War II from April 1945 to 1951. He served on aircraft carriers in France, Turkey, Guadalcanal, Paris, Africa, Rome, Greece, and Cuba. While serving, he received an accommodation for saving a drowning victim.
The parade will showcase the marching units of Sussex Technical High School Army JROTC, Washington High School Marching Jaguars, Stephen Decatur High School NJROTC and the Laurel High School Band, which has attended every parade. The parade will also feature marching units, civic organization, youth and business floats, and other tributes.
"The high school bands are always entertaining, as well as the creativity from our local civic groups and businesses in the designs of their floats," Kitt Parker, a member of the Parade Planning Committee, said.
Beginning at 1 p.m., the parade will proceed through town on Central Avenue. The judge's stand will be stationed in front of the Laurel Senior Center. Suggested handicap parking and viewing is located on North Central Avenue.
The parade was created to show gratitude and support for the veterans who have sacrificed their time and safety for their service.
"It is very important to let our veterans know that we are a grateful nation for their sacrifice," Chris Shirey, Parade Chair, said. "These men and women left their homes and families to stand between our nation and danger. Some paid with the ultimate sacrifice of their life."
As of April, there are over 4.4 million veterans on Benefits Rolls, including veterans of World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era. All of these veterans are to be honored at the parade.
One of the goals of the parade is to get the community more involved in supporting veterans.
"It is important to not only honor our veterans, but to teach the younger generations to support our troops," Parker said. "You don’t have to be pro-war to be pro-troops."
While the parade will feature a wide array of attractions to enjoy, the heart of the parade is the veterans, both participating and attending.
"Their faces are the true gem of the parade," Shirey said. "The parade is becoming one of the best parades in the area. It has something to excite everyone."
This year's turnout is expected to be the largest yet.
"We are hoping to continue to grow our parade so it becomes a must-attend event on the Eastern Shore," Parker said.
For more information, visit www.devetparade.com, email sussexvetday@gmail.com, or follow the parade on Facebook.
The Laurel High School Band has attended every Veterans Day parade and will be back this year to keep the streak alive. Submitted photo.
Sussex Technical High School JROTC is always a show stopper at the annual parade. Submitted photo.