Just a Thought: US Military
Veterans Parade
By Steve Walker
This coming
Saturday, November 7, the US Military Veterans Parade Association presents its
16th 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 1st
parade, November 18, 2000 began with only a handful of participants. 14th 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.
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