Columbus paid tribute to its fighting men and women Saturday by putting them front and center for its annual Veteran’s Day Parade and Celebration.
Various wars, conflicts and military branches were represented as the veterans gathered to walk or ride down Main Street from the Columbus Municipal Complex, which houses the Columbus War Museum, to Sixth Street and on to the Lowndes County courthouse.
Between completing the parade and waiting for the Veteran’s Day Celebration to commence, the vets took the opportunity to meet and greet one another and discuss the value of remembering the past.
“It’s marvelous for the people to recognize the sacrifice we’ve made for this great land,” said Joseph Johnson, of Columbus, who landed on Normandy Beach with the Army at the age of 17 during World War II. “This is the greatest country in the world. I’d do it again.”
Herbert Martin dressed out in his full military fatigues from his time in Vietnam to pay tribute to his fellow veterans.
“This is the stuff I wore in Vietnam and it was stuffed in a duffel bag for 42 years. Some of these Vietnam vets haven’t seen this stuff since then. I earned it and I’m proud of it, so why not wear it?” he said.
Henry Griffin, an infantry sergeant during Vietnam, hoped the Veteran’s Day Celebration would turn attention to soldiers still fighting for America.
“A lot of people finally realized the sacrifices American soldiers really go through, past and present. From being a squad leader in Vietnam, I hope the people realize the soldiers over there are already dealing with hardships. Not because of being away from their families, but the stresses they go through every day. That’s why every year, no matter how ill or whatever, this is my mission to be here,” said Griffin.
The past and the present wouldn’t be complete without the future, and many veterans hoped the display of pride and appreciation would leave an impression on the children in attendance.
“I hope they see what veterans have sacrificed for this country. I hope they stand up for the country and our freedoms and what we stand for,” said James Wells, who worked in logistical support during Vietnam.
“I hope they’ll be inspired to support our flag, support our country and, when they get older, go out and fight for the country like we did,” said Vietnam vet Leroy Davis.
Many of the spectators for Saturday’s parade were family members who had come out to support their relatives in the armed forces.
Ann Musio and Candi Price each were on hand with their children to support their husbands, both security forces soldiers, who were in the parade. Ben Akins, a World War II veteran, was alongside Main Street to see his grandson march in the parade.
Gwen Lollar, Johnson’s daughter, was on hand to see her father ride by in a Pontiac Firebird with a special military plane paint job. She, like several others, was disappointed more people didn’t turn out for the event. She says lack of publicity was the primary problem.
However, Lollar made a point to praise Mayor Robert Smith, whom she says has helped by providing a more visible and expanded parade route, and the Columbus High School marching band.
“CHS is so good to bring the band out. It’s so nice of the kids to take their Saturday and come out here and honor these veterans when they don’t have to,” she said.
Rashad Salley, a freshman band member at CHS, felt compelled to participate.
“My father is a veteran and I feel I have a duty to fulfill to America when it comes to me and my country,” said Salley.
Following the parade, the Veteran’s Day Celebration began at the Lowndes County Courthouse with a prayer for Prisoners of War and a flyover from a restored P-51 Mustang fighter.
Retired Gen. Robert “Doc” Foglesong, former Mississippi State University president and commander of the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus Air Force Base, delivered the keynote address. He began by rousing a round of applause and cheers from the crowd, stating, “If you love America, how about making some noise with me?”
Foglesong’s address focused on the freedoms, conveniences and advantages Americans enjoy thanks to the sacrifice of military veterans.
“We lead the world in almost every measurable category that counts. We’re still the most respected and feared nation around the world,” he said.
He reminded those gathered that more than one million Americans have given their lives in military service to maintain America’s freedom.
“We didn’t want to be masters of anyone. We just didn’t want to be mastered.”
He closed with an appeal to remember the wars America is currently fighting and an invitation to approach veterans as an expression of appreciation.
“Walk up to them and tell them thanks. I can’t tell you how that made us feel,” he said.
Greg | 11/9/2009 11:00:00 PMmark as inappropriate I would have liked to have attended the event myself. I was under the assumption it would be on Wednesday. I agree with the comment in the article that there was a lack of publicity. I fault myself for not checking the Dispatch ahead of time but last year it was misleading and I missed everything but the ceremony. Mabe next year.
