Published: November 11, 2009 09:35 pm      

A day for veterans

Cass County stages its annual Veterans Day parade

Jeff Mercier says the annual Veterans Day parade has been a Cass County tradition at least since the end of World War II.

“If we do not do this, I feel the country will forget who gave us the freedom we enjoy,” said Mercier, the service officer for Galveston American Legion Post 415.

Mercier said the county had a strong history of military service.

“The main reason we hold the parade is to honor the veterans and to maintain and honor the tradition,” he said.

A number of people lined Broadway from Fourth to Seventh streets to observe the parade and pay respect to veterans.

Steve Smith and John Crowe, both of Logansport, said they try to come out every year.

“I came out because first I spent two years in Vietnam,” Smith said. “I also like to be here for those who can’t.”

Crowe said he felt the veterans deserved the time it took him to attend the event.

“This is the least I can do,” he said.

Plus, they said it’s a way to meet up with some old friends.

Both men are veterans of the U.S. Army. Smith served from 1968 until 1970 and Crowe served from 1969 until 1971.

They said the annual parade was an important tradition to continue.

“It’s obvious everything we have is because of the veterans,” said Crowe.

Smith said the jacket he wore to the parade said it all. The jacket read, “All gave some; some gave all.”

Logansport resident Donette McKeever said she attends the Veterans Day parade every year in honor. Her dad and son, she said, are both veterans.

“I don’t think the veterans are appreciated,” she said. “They get lost in the shuffle. They need to get praised, and we need to let them know how much they are appreciated.”

McKeever said there seemed to be more people watching the parade this year, something she said made a positive statement about Cass County residents.

“I think it shows we support our veterans,” she said.

The parade consisted of members of Pioneer, Lewis Cass and Logansport high school bands, Key Club, Boy Scouts, All Saints Catholic School and about 40 veterans.

Mercier said he would like to see the parade continue to grow. He would like to see more children participate and even more entertainment.

Most of the veterans walking in the parade were from World War II and Vietnam, but Mercier said he would like to see the younger generation of military veterans participate next year.

“The World War II veterans are getting too old to walk,” he said. “We need younger support out here.”

During a brief ceremony in front of the City Building, Mayor Mike Fincher said he wanted the community to remember war veterans not only on Veterans Day, but also during every other day of the year.

“It’s our duty to show appreciation to those who fought and died for our country,” he said.

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com