Air Force and Army veterans remembered their experiences in the military at the Veterans Day Parade on Monday.
The parade consisted of bands, high school ROTC students, clowns, boy scouts, brownie troops and veterans. Volunteers also passed out candy. People lined up for miles to salute retired troops who fought for this country. Onlookers enjoyed melodies and food as they waved their flags in honor of the holiday.
Carl Duncan, a retired Air Force and Army veteran of foreign wars, served during the early 1960s and ’70s. He developed an irregular heartbeat, so he was moved from the Air force to the Army. During the Vietnam War, he stayed with the natives.
Duncan said he learned he should always “think before he leaps.”
He explained that when soldiers returned home from the Vietnam War, people spit on and cursed at them.
Duncan said that it is important to attend the parade, “to let people know the veterans did what they country asked them to do.”
Bill Doomam served in the Air Force from 1961-1966 and worked his way up to an instructor. Dooman said that joining the Air Force is a “wonderful way for a young person to get started in life.”
He also said it is important to attend the parade “to celebrate and to celebrate veterans of the past who fought for me.”
Aaron Adams served in the Vietnam War in the Army for one year. He recalled when he had to fight and entire night. Adams said he enjoyed coming to the parade to see the guys who made it and the ones who did not make it.
Henry McKinney served in the Vietnam War and was a spy in the army from 1964-1992. The retired veteran said that he became interested in the Army during the Bay of Pigs.
“It was scary”, chuckled McKinney who had a lot to say about his time in the service.
McKinney conducted investigations on an American soldier selling secrets to the enemy.
Ed Jaworski served in the Air Force during the Cold War. His most memorable moment in the service was when Iran took hostages in the late 1970s.
“I feel like it’s important to show support. We are behind them and they are not forgotten,” Jaworski said.