CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There are only a few days out of the year when West Virginians really get to display the deep patriotism and pride for their country that they hold, and Veterans Day is one of them.
Cities and towns across the state are host to various longstanding parades and events Monday for Veterans Day.
In Charleston, the John Brawley Post 20 American Legion has been holding a Veterans Day parade now for around 80 years.
Post 20 American Legion Vice Commander Monica Willis said they really enjoy doing up the event in a big way to honor such an important day.
“This is a big thing, it’s a big project, but we’re always excited to do it, and it’s always such a blessing for us to watch all of the people participating in it and it’s always such a good day,” Willis said.
She said there’s typically around 85 different groups and local American Legions around the state who participate in Charleston’s parade, as well as several local high school marching bands, among various other organizations.
The parade is to assemble along the Kanawha Boulevard between Capitol Street and Morris Street at 9:30 a.m. and will officially step off at 11 a.m.
The route will take the units West along the boulevard then onto Capitol Street, Quarrier, Court Street and then back onto the boulevard, passing in review at Haddad Riverfront Park where it will disperse.
Willis said a lot of people usually leave right when the parade is over, but she wants to remind everyone that a big ceremony is held at Haddad following the parade and features keynote speakers from veterans sharing their stories about serving the country, as well as political leaders.
“It’s a big ceremony, a lot of people after the parade they go home, but we want them to stay and be a part of this as well,” she said.
Willis has served 37 years in the U.S. Army and the National Guard. She said this event allows veterans like herself be honored for a day after they devote years of their lives fighting for a nation, they are willing to die to defend.
“It’s just great knowing veterans are being honored, because a lot of times, you know, we have that one day and that’s all people really think about a veteran, but we gave our lives for it, so to have a parade like this and see all of participants and everyone happy, it’s just a good time for us,” Willis said.
She said there is also even expected to be a couple of World War II veterans taking part in the parade.
Willis said it’s great knowing how patriotic of a state West Virginia truly is, and that alone should be recognized.
“I mean you see the flags flying, I go in the classroom, I substitute teach sometimes, and I see the kids as soon as the pledge starts they’re jumping up with their hands over their hearts,” Willis said. “It’s a good thing to remember what we’re founded on and there’s so many people who gave their lives for it.”