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photo by Ben Hillyer
The 2007 Veterans Day ceremony at Memorial Park
City honors veterans
Published Sunday, November 11, 2007
NATCHEZ — Annie Edwards stood on the downtown sidewalk Saturday waving at the fire trucks and ROTC members marching down the street.
Edwards retired from the Army in 2002 after 23 years of service. For the Natchez resident, having pride in the nation’s veterans is important, but showing it is, too.
“Every time they have a parade, I’m here,” Edwards said.
This year was the first in several that the city has had a Veterans Day parade
Edwards joined clusters of onlookers that watched bands and color guards parade up Franklin Street.
“Veterans Day is near and dear to my heart,” Edwards said. “People can see and recognize the people who have served. I think it’s an honorable event.”
Vince Barbieri, who served two tours in Vietnam, and his wife, Bobbie, were also onlookers.
“People tend to forget veterans, and the parade is a good reminder,” Bobbie Barbieri said.
Veteran John Kerwin marched near the front of the parade.
“I was carrying our flag,” Kerwin said. “As I passed by, I saw people saluting it, paying respect. I felt there was hope for us yet.”
A short service at Memorial Park after the parade paid tribute to those who speaker the Rev. LeRoy White said sometimes go unappreciated.
“Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor the contributions of our living veterans,” White said. “For those who serve, every day is armed forces day.”
Adams County Veterans Service Officer Erle Drane, who helped organize the parade, said he thought it was a success.
“We had a wonderful turnout (of marchers),” Drane said.
And although the parade might not draw the Mardi Gras-sized crowds, those who attend are especially valued, he said.
“The people you see on the street are those who really appreciate veterans,” he said.
Comments
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I could never find all the words I feel for our veterans. I had five brothers to serve in the Arm Forces and I know how proud they were to serve. Two of them made it a career. I wear a button that states, "If you're free, thank a vet." I had a young girl ask me,"What does my pet doctor have to do with my freedom?" Sad.. Sad..
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I made it to the parade but couldn't go to the ceremony. Wish now I had taken time to do it anyway. The people who were at the parade were very respectful and I saw lots of people salute the flag when it passed by. I too have brothers, husband, son, uncles, and nephews in the services, so I know first hand the sacrifices all members of a family make.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to wish my brother and fellow veterans who put our lives on the line for freedom . . . HAPPY VETERANS' DAY!!
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Did you notice the empty sidewalks in all the photos? Not the first war protestor was out there. Why? They are such idiots that they do not realize that they owe an immeasurable debt to each and every one of these veterans for the very freedom to protest, that they tout so loudly.
I salute all the veterans and the flag of the greatest country in the world.
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
THANKS VETERANS FOR AMERICA BEING WHAT SHE IS.
Posted by aesa (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Vets!!!
Posted by marinefrmntz (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
semper fi!
Posted by Crazynms (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My dad is usually invited to the veteran events in Florida, he was to sick to go this year.
Posted by kingston (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 3:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank yall for our freedom
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
God Bless America and those that serve her. May the Good Lord watch over you and yours. Thank you.
Posted by thelorax (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We as a Nation are in great debt to the Veterans of the Wars in which they served. Not enough is being done imo for these veterans. Every day you hear about services that were promised to those in the US services being taken away. It is time to honor the agreements and make our Veterans feel we respect their decision to defend our Country.
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