By Maria King, Grandmother extraordinaire, founder Events Crazy
When events associated with special holidays roll around, I always think, “has it been a whole year already?” This week is an exception however because I think these kinds of tribute days should be every day, not just once a year. I am talking about special days set aside to remember and pay tribute to the men and women of our country who have fought for our freedom. People should remember those individuals every chance they get.
A conversation that I had at breakfast this morning with a delightful family from Pennsylvania illustrated just that thought. They were telling me about their struggles to get their local fair to designate a day during the event that honors veterans. It had been a very difficult struggle and taken over 3 years and lots of rejection in order to get someone to pay attention to their requests for just such a day. Luckily they were persistent and would not give up on what they felt was the right thing to do. Not only did they get their day, now more organizations are rallying around the tribute and are participating in ways that have added a new dimension to the special day. Some include bussing the veteran’s from the local VA hospital, others include an escort for that bus, while still others include free tickets for vets and their families; the perks and benefits and growing every year. I think that’s just terrific. A part of me can’t help wondering however, why it was such a struggle in the first place. I understand egos and the chain of command excuses but who wouldn’t be in favor of such a wonderful thing even if it wasn’t your idea? Imagine if you will, had these nice people not been persistent how easily the whole idea could have been abandoned. It concerns me that many other organizations might not have had the same determination walked away frustrated and unsuccessful.
So this week, in honor of Veteran’s Day, I say let’s try to make a commitment to carry our good feelings through the whole year to make a difference other than just on Veteran’s Day. Additionally this year on Veteran’s Day, drive a Vet to an event, don’t wait for the event to send a bus. And get a few friends to come along as an escort and not worry about whether or not any other organizations are sending one. Also treat a vet and his or her family to an event as a way of saying thank you to them and the many other vets who over the years have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. When you get a chance, even in some small way, to show a vet how much you appreciate their sacrifices that you really care about them, do it! And don’t give a second thought to whose idea it might have been. Recognize it was a good one and just make it happen. And don’t forget to hug a veteran or active duty person today just because it is the right thing to do!
Nov 11, 2013
Albany Downtown Albany, OR97321
Come early to get a good spot along the parade route and visit one of Downtown Albany’s many fun stores, restaurants and coffee shops to warm you up while you wait.
10,000 Attendees
Albany Veteran’s Day Parade
Nov 11, 2013
Downtown Albany, NY12288
Since 1955. Albany’s annual Veterans Day Parade kicks off at the corner of Central Avenue and Partridge Street at 11am. The parade proceeds east on Central, continues east on Washington Avenue to Hawk Street, located just east of the NYS Capitol. The reviewing stand is situated on the steps of the NYSEducationBuilding. The Albany Veterans Day Parade is presented by the City of Albany Joint Veterans Committee.
30,000 Attendees
Veterans Day Parade
Nov 11, 2013
Veteran’s Memorial San Diego, CA92101
Since 1987. A parade honoring American veterans. It is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Veterans Day Parade
Nov 11, 2013
Downtown Columbia Columbia, SC29201
Since 1982, a spectacular procession of Marching high school bands, military equipment and Marching installations from around the state is a special tribute to veterans.
10,000 Attendees
Veterans Day Parade
Nov 11, 2013
Times-Union Center For the Performing Arts Jacksonville, FL32202
Join the City of Jacksonville as we honor true American heroes – our veterans and active-duty military. This patriotic parade features more than 3,500 participants including grand marshals, senior military officials, active- duty and retired military units, veterans groups, local high school marching bands, military organizations, decorative floats, giant balloons, JROTC units and more! To find out great spots to view the parade or the parade route visit the City of Jacksonville Office of Special Events.
Veterans Days Celebration and Parade
Nov 11, 2013
Downtown Cape Coral, FL33904
Since 1999. Join us as the community honors our American Heroes and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives and are proudly serving our country. The Veteran’s Day Celebration is a cooperative effort of the following organizations: Lee County Joint Veteran’s Assoc., YMCA, City of Cape Coral, LeeCountySchools, City of Fort Myers, Lee County Government, and Lee County Sheriff’s Department.
Veteran’s Day Parade
Nov 09, 2013
Court House Square Iola, KS66749
A special tribute, memorial service, and parade in honor of our country’s veterans.
10,000 Attendees
Veteran’s Day Festival
Nov 11, 2013
Bowling Green Park New York, NY10004
Plenty of foods, vendors and ceremonies honoring our Nation’s veterans. Takes place on Whitehall Street from Beaver – Stone and InsideBowling GreenPark.
70,000+ Attendees
Veteran’s Day Parade Block Party
Nov 11, 2013
Mid-Town Manhattan New York, NY10004
Plenty of foods, commercial vendors and ceremonies honoring our Nation’s veterans. Takes place on 53rd Street from Madison – 6th Avenue.
70,000+ Attendees
Veteran’s Day Parade and Ceremony
Nov 11, 2013
Downtown Aurora, IL60504
The City will honor those who have fought for our country’s freedom starting with a processional that steps off at the PriscoCommunity Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave. The processional will head east on Illinois toward VeteransIsland. A ceremony honoring local veteran organizations will be held at 10:30 a.m. on VeteransIsland and will be concluded with a military rifle salute.
8,000 Attendees
Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade
Nov 09, 2013
Downtown Colorado Springs, CO80903
One of the United States largest Veterans Day Parades. Parade features veterans groups, active duty military units, floats, and bands. Fun for the whole family.
25,000 Attendees
Veteran’s Day Parade
Nov 11, 2013
Coalinga Plaza Coalinga, CA93210
Come celebrate our nations military and the wonderful men and women.
Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade
Nov 11, 2013
Downtown Palm Springs Palm Springs, CA92262
Since 1996. The City of Palm Springs proudly presents the Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade in downtown Palm Springs. The parade begins at Ramon Road and Palm Canyon Drive and heads northbound on Palm Canyon Drive to Alejo Road. Our event features a well regarded parade comprised of approximately 54 units, followed by a post parade concert and fireworks finale at the intersection of Amado Road and Palm Canyon Drive. This parade is one of the largest in Southern California and is supported by military units, marching bands, veterans’ organizations and much more. We are a designated Regional site for the observance of Veterans Day by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
20,000 Attendees
Maria can be reached directly at eventsblog@eventcrazy.com or @eventcrazy on Twitter
or visit her website at www.eventcrazy.com
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