Just a
Thought: Veterans Parade
By Steve
Walker
The 15th
Annual Veterans Parade last week drew over two hundred and fifty entries of
high school and junior high school ROTC students. Also participating in the
event were active military members and veterans of all ages and individuals
involved in various worldwide conflicts. All branches of service were
represented.
The annual
parade honoring America’s local heroes and those who defended our nation in
time of war and peacetime, drew over 15-thouand supporters on the downtown
streets of San Antonio.
Flag
waving, cheering and an occasional salute from the crowd showed their
appreciation as the parade progressed down the city streets.
While some
participants rode on horses, others in cars and wagons, others marched. Various
school bands played patriotic music as the crowd remembered the sacrifices of
those who served their country with honor and distinction.
All the
local VFWs and American Legion posts participated as well in the honoring of
those who died in battle, since passed on, and those that are still with us.
The parade sponsored by the
U.S. Military Veterans Parade dedicated the annual parade to Abelardo (Abel) V.
Miranda, Sergeant First Class, USA/Retired who passed away March 22nd
of this year.
Miranda was a U.S. Marine with
combat during the Korean War as well as the Vietnam War.
Awarded a Silver Star, a
Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge and an Army Commendation
Medal he was a charter member of the U.S. Military Veterans Parade Association
and active member of VFW Post 9186 on the Southside.
The Grand
Marshal Larry Romo, a San Antonio native, currently serves as the Director of
the Selective Service in the Obama Administration. He was also the Keynote
Speaker. Only the second Hispanic to serve in that position, he follows in the footsteps of former San Antonio native
Director Gil Coranado who served in the Clinton Administration.
In his
keynote address, Romo challenged those gathered, to honor the veterans year
round and remember their great sacrifices and accomplishments.
I was
fortunate to ride in the carriage with Delia Guajardo the president of the U.S
Military Veterans Day Parade event with her daughter and granddaughters
alongside Congressman Joaquin Castro. Hanging off the side of the carriage with
camera in one hand and the other holding on for dear life, I was able to
chronicle the event in photos and write this column.
One of the
particular groups that marched in the parade carrying a sign caught my eye. Seven
women of all ethnic backgrounds wore matching pink shirts that were engraved
with the caption “Women are Veterans too!”
In talking
to them before the parade started, they informed me that they all had served
and represented all five branches of the military. I saluted them and thanked
them for their service.
The local
high schools were also well represented. I was especially pleased to see the Memorial
High School band and ROTC cadets performing. Since I taught there earlier in my
teaching career, it was good to see participation from La Memorial as it is
still affectionately known.
As a veteran
who served in Viet Nam, Desert Storm and other tours, I am proud once again to
be a part of the U.S. Military Veterans Parade of San Antonio created and
organized by my good friend, Delia Guajardo.
To her and
all my fellow veterans I say, “Thank you for your service.”
As Always,
I write just a thought.
Steve
Walker is a Viet Nam Veteran, former Journalist and Justice of the Peace.
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