Does your community have annual Veterans Day Parades ?

SPC Darin Taylor — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 12:20:31 -0400

Our Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter #7 is trying to organize a Veterans Day Parade in Jackson, TN. for Veterans Day 2015. We would like for this to be an annual event to honor our Veterans. If your community has annual Veterans Day Parades; I would like to know if the community response has increased or decreased. I would also like to know what your biggest challenge was in the process of getting the Veterans Day Parade approved by the city.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 1:35 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 13:35:56 -0400

My small home town (population around 3,000) does have a parade. I think small towns do a better job of remembering things like Veterans Day. I'll break bold and say I think small town America is more patriotic than big city America.

This has been an ongoing thing. Permits, etc. are easier to do in a small town. Since 9/11/01, participation and community response has increased.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 5 at 2014 1:44 PM

SPC David S. — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 13:44:30 -0400

SPC Darin Taylor no parades on Veterans Day but some are in our 4th of July. I'm interested in getting involved with DAV here in IL. I'm in the western suburbs can you put me in touch with some one. PM me with details if you can.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Oct 6 at 2014 11:46 AM

GySgt William Hardy — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 11:46:33 -0400

No, but it does have Veterans Day ceremonies in all three of our local schools. These are normally attended by the veteran parent(s) at the school in which their child attends. In addition, our Middle and High Schools provide a free meal for the veterans who attend. The ceremonies at the Middle and High Schools are a mix of student participation and a ceremony provided by the VFW. The Elementary School allows the Boy Scouts to bring in the Colors and to post them in the front.

I believe the reason for this is that most veterans have to work on that day. Many can come on a extended lunch hour but must return to work. Unlike other holidays, like the 4th of July, where most factories and major businesses shut down for the day, it is business as usual on Veterans Day.