"Just a Thought" Column continues in La Prensa of SA, 11-1

Just a Thought: US Military Veterans Parade

By Steve Walker

This coming Saturday, November 7, the US Military Veterans Parade Association presents its 16^th Annual Veterans Parade in San Antonio.

The event will start with a wreath laying ceremony at the Alamo at 10 a.m. As a new member of the Association that sponsors the parade, I am excited to be an active part of the event committee.

The last few years I have participated by walking and covering the parade for my photo blog, www.walkerreport.net.

  

The parade will start at Avenue E. and Travis Street and pass in front of the Alamo turning west on Commerce and end on San Saba just past Milam Park.

Each year thousands of spectators throng to the downtown area waving American flags to honor those who gallantly served and continue to serve their country in uniform.

Over the past 16 years the crowds have consistently increased despite inclement weather. Some years marchers walked the streets in the sweltering heat and on other occasions in extremely cold weather. Rain and wind were also a factor some years.

Hundreds of entries in the parade are varied to include high school ROTC members representing schools from all parts of town, American Legion Posts, local VFW chapters, active duty members and other organizations to include numerous businesses.

The 2015 Veterans Parade is dedicated to the late Alex E. Tovar (July 7, 1917 – April 22, 2015), a decorated WWII Veteran, Former Prisoner of War, and Charter Member of the USMVPA.

According to Delia Guajardo, President of the USMVPA “the thought of a parade honoring Veterans in San Antonio was born out of love to our city’s military veterans and its rich military heritage.”

                                                                                                         Guajardo points out the 1^st parade, November 18, 2000 began with only a handful of participants.  14^th years later it has grown to include over 250 entries and national attention. The USMVPA president also notes that the events of September 11, 2001, brought forth a renewed and more dedicated move to honor our vets and keep them in our hearts and minds. 

As a Vietnam Veteran who served in 1970-71, I am honored to be a part of the parade and participating with fellow veterans from WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Afghan War, and Iraq War as well. Needless to say it is a chance to swap war stories and remember our buddies who didn’t make it back.

This year’s Grand Marshal is former interim Police Chief Anthony Trevino, (Air Force Reserves) Honorary Grand Marshal former Judge Michael LaHood (Army Reserves) and special guest former SAISD Board President Dr. William Elizondo. (Koran War Marine)

As we gear up to celebrate Veterans Day, November 11 and November 7 Veterans Parade, remember to shake a veterans hand and say, “Thank you for your service.”

As always, what I write is “Just a Thought.”

Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran, former Judge and Journalist.