Honoring the troops past and present

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Richard A. Williams Jr.
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
BELLEVUE, Neb. --  Nebraska honored its veterans past and present Saturday during the 8th annual Nebraska Veteran Parade. 

The parade, Nebraska's official veteran parade, started at 10 a.m. and moved down Mission Avenue and turned left on Franklin Street before ending at Washington Park.

Over 400 active duty members comprising nine flights, representing the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines began the parade behind the "rider less horse" a symbol of those who have lost their lives in defense of our nation. 

There were 92 entries in this year's parade, said retired Lt. Col. William Swick, a parade organizer and commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10785. 

"We had a variety of active duty, veterans groups and local businesses participating so there is a great deal of community participation."

"We are here to honor the men and women serving," said Swick, a Vietnam Veteran. "I can remember being spit on when I returned home and that isn't happening today and that's wonderful. "

The cold temperature and blustering winds didn't stop the on lookers or participants from taking time to honor the sacrifices of so many.

"It is a celebration of the sacrifices of everyone who has ever worn the uniform and all that they do," said Master Sgt. Michael Miller, 55th Operation Support Squadron first sergeant. "I am from a military family and have lost people in different conflicts and it is a good way to remember and say thank you for what they have done."

Miller said he sees the purpose of the parade as two-fold. 

"This is also a good way to say thank you to the community for all of the support that they give to us," he said. 

"I think the events of Sept. 11, 2001, have really brought the attention of the military to the public," Swick said. "But we don't want to forget and let lapse that this is an extremely important service that these men and women do for the country, so to me the parade is very vital. 

"If we fail to recognize the sacrifices that our military men and women are making then we fail as a nation, it's as simple as that," he said.