Chants of “freedom isn’t free” echoed through the crowd Monday as former service members marched on Main Avenue in celebration of Veterans Day.
Fire engines blared, police vehicles wailed and motorcycles revved their engines, all in tribute to those who served in the U.S. military.
For veterans, the parade is a celebration of their service but also symbolizes the camaraderie they share among different branches that make up the Armed Forces. Veterans from various decades can share their perspectives on military service and the current state of affairs across the nation.
“We have a special feeling of pride to be able to show off our service and let people remember,” said Melinda Michael, a retired Navy veteran of 38 years who is commander of American Legion Trujillo Sheets Post 28 in Durango.
Veterans Day is a celebration of all veterans whereas Memorial Day honors those who died in service.
For some, especially those with post-traumatic stress disorder, the camaraderie is therapeutic. Army veteran Steven Felix, who served during the Global War on Terrorism, participated in his first Veterans Day Parade on Monday.
“It’s my first year coming out of my shell,” Felix said.
Felix served as a paratrooper in the Army for seven years.
A career in the military provided a structured environment, he said, and the act of fighting for one’s country provided a sense of pride and a sense of purpose. For veterans with PTSD, there’s a lot of time spent sitting alone, wondering what to do next.
Yet, the Armed Forces can help many find direction and improve their lives.
“I couldn't wake up early enough. I couldn't be on time enough. I could never be enough,” Felix said. “And that challenge in the military was something that just pulled me into action – brought the best out of me.”
In the years after leaving the military, Felix said he struggled with alcoholism but is now sober.
He said to participate in the Veterans Day Parade on Monday made him feel surrounded by people who can relate to him and who care about him.
“This is kind of like our fraternity,” he said.
Navy veteran Meryl Robinson, 85, has participated in many Veterans Day celebrations. Robinson joined the Navy in 1957, shortly after the Korean War.
“It's one of those things that no matter what branch we've all been in, we’re together,” he said, sitting on a float about to be pulled by a Ram 3500 pickup truck.
But the celebration also brings back memories. He spent time serving on multiple naval bases on the West Coast, where he worked as an electronics technician, dealing largely with radar technology.
He marveled at the advancements in technology since his time in service, particularly the increased use of automated systems like drones.
In the wake of last week’s election of President-elect Donald Trump, the veterans were careful to remain neutral on politics.
“We follow whoever our commander in chief is. We don't decide whether we're on the side of one party or the other,” Michael said, reiterating that the job of service members is to serve their country first.
Robertson couldn’t decide if he was optimistic about Trump regaining office.
He reflected on the Israel-Hamas war and the war in Ukraine.
“So far we’ve (United States) have kind of kept our nose out of it to a certain extent. We can't be the world's policeman, but we have enough clout to keep order,” Robertson said.
According to a Pew Research Poll from July, 62% of Republicans surveyed said the United States does not have a responsibility to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s invasion.
Sixty-two percent of Democrats and progressive-minded independents favored aiding Ukraine. Americans overall are evenly divided on whether the U.S. has a responsibility to help Ukraine (48% say it does, 49% say it does not), the poll shows.
Trump has criticized the extent of U.S. military and financial aid to Ukraine, pledging to swiftly end the war without providing details on his plan. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has urged the incoming administration to continue aid to Ukraine.
“If people are called to serve, they’re going to do it,” Robertson said.
Regardless of political belief, veterans work together to help each other and the community comes out in bunches to support current and former service members.
“I think people have respect for veterans, regardless of what state they're in or what political background they are,” Michael said.
She said this hasn’t always been the case, especially during the Vietnam War, when those who served faced vitriol upon their return.
“I think here we're overly compensated, because people are trying to make up for how they treated us (during Vietnam),” Michael said.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
