Veterans Day parade honors those who serve and defend freedom in West Tenn.
A cold and blustery day could not stop Madison County residents from turning out for the annual Veterans Day Parade Saturday, as over 50 groups marched through the streets of downtown Jackson.
The event, hosted by the West Tennessee Veterans Coalition, included the 129th Army Band, as well was local students, veterans groups and local clubs join the procession despite the sudden drop in temperatures overnight.
“It’s awesome,” said Eric Turner, Madison County Fire Chief, as he stood by a line-up of fire trucks in the Carl Perkin’s Civic Center parking lot. “We’ve been involved several years. It’s wonderful to have this kind of turnout for our veterans, even if it’s cold.”
Jackson City Mayor Scott Conger and Madison County Mayor AJ Massey opened the event.
“It’s a great day to honor our veterans," Conger said. “This is one of the ways we honor them and show our appreciation.”
Massey rang the ceremonial bell 11 times at 11:11 a.m., a tradition for Veteran’s Day which comes from the Armistice of Nov. 11, 1918 — the agreement that marked the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
“This is a very small way we can appreciate our veterans,” Massey said. “As cold and as uncomfortable as we may be right now, just remember those men and women who sacrificed quite a bit more to allow us to be out here today.”
Following the long train of eager participants was Boy Scouts of America Pack and Troop 205, with over 20 young members preparing to march.
“We’re just out here to thank the veterans for their service and to celebrate them,” said leader Erika Hughes. “We’ve done this at least four years. As Boy Scouts of America, we really support our military, and we wanted to thank our veterans. And show these kids the kinds of heroes they can be.”
As the last group left the Civic Center parking lot to circle downtown, Mary Wiseman Ross of the West Tennessee Veterans Coalition looked on proudly.
“I am feeling great,” she said. “It’s really cold, but we’ve had so many people come out to celebrate. I want people to learn to thank a veteran — no matter what time of year it is, if you see a veteran, walk up and thank them. This is just a very small part of what we can do every day of the year.”
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Jackson Veterans Day parade honors those who serve and defend freedom
