By Art Latson

VFW Post 2654

Well it’s that time of year again, Veterans Day and that means the annual Veterans Day parade. The parade will be held at 1 p.m., Nov 6 and the reception immediately following at VFW Post 2654.

The annual Moberly Veterans Day parade over the past several years has become renown throughout Mid-Missouri. However, like anything else, after a couple of years events like the Veterans Day parade start to lose their luster. People working on the committee start to lose their enthusiasm, veterans who always participate start to pass away, and eventually events like the Veterans Day Parade disappear as traditions of the past.

Let us take this Veterans Day to remember that our Veterans are as important today, yesterday, and tomorrow as they ever were.  Let us keep in the forefront of our minds that right here in our community we have many young men and women who have protected our freedoms both in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We have many hidden heroes that are inseminated back into our community daily after tours in Iraq or Afghanistan without fanfare or parades. Yet they continue to answer the call to duty, these hidden heroes don’t want money or medals but a simple thank you from the people whose freedoms they protect.

Several months ago when the Veterans Day parade committee started to assemble one of the most important questions was “Has the Veterans Day parade outlived its usefulness in our community?” I say no.

“We should never be too busy to thank those who protect our freedoms”.

With the Veterans Day committee dwindling in size to only the dedicated few and with donations decreasing, the question is more prevalent today than at any other time in history. The question of is there still a need for a Veterans Day parade becomes more valid each and every day as Americans wade through the political rhetoric of how important our veterans are to our country and community. With violations of our American constitution constantly being questioned, let us never forget that our constitution is only as strong as the men and women who are willing to lay down their lives in its defense.

Over the years the citizens of Randolph County have made our parade possible and successful. We are challenging each of our citizens to join with this year’s Veterans Day Committee to personally attend both the parade and reception to help thank all of those who have given so much.

The line-up for this year’s parade is first come first served. Line-up numbers will be coordinated in the parking lot across from the Moberly Auditorium beginning at 11 a.m.

All persons, businesses or organization who wish to participate in the parade may pick-up an entry form at VFW Post 2654. The VFW is located at 1347 S. Morley Moberly Mo. or call us at 660–263-6030 for more information. Please sign up early so we can have signs for the outside of your car.  However, if you forget to sign up do not let that deter you from participating.  Show up at the auditorium parking lot starting at 11am and we will find you a spot in the parade.

Additionally, if you or your organization wishes to volunteer to assist with the parade or reception please contact us at e-mail VFW Post 2654 [vfwpost2654@mcmsys.com].

Statistics cannot tell the story of all the young men and women who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan and returned with both mental and physical injuries. Pure numbers cannot explain the high unemployment rates among those returning home, words cannot symbolize the humiliation that must be felt by those standing in food bank lines or the demoralizing feeling it must be to have to ask organizations throughout the state to help you pay your utility bills.

We may not be able to solve all the problems of those returning home, but we can avoid the same mistakes of Vietnam by showing them we appreciate their service; we thank them for their service. Let every citizen take it upon themselves to thank all veterans for their service but this year especially those men and women who are serving or have served in Iraq or Afghanistan. See you at the Veterans Day Parade.

Note: To help keep the children of our community safe let all parade participants be cautious when giving out candy. We are asking all participants to walk along side giving candy   rather than haphazardly throwing candy in the streets. Thank you Veteran Day parade committee.