Less than a week after a divisive presidential election concluded in America, hundreds of Durango-area residents came together Friday to line Main Avenue in support of veterans who served the country.
This year’s Veterans Day Parade lasted about 30 minutes and featured about three dozen entries, including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, three motorcycle groups, two marching bands, Fiesta Days royalty, law enforcement and the Tin Lizzies. It was organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4031 and its Ladies Auxiliary.
“A lot of veterans gave their lives for us, and are still doing it, and it’s important for us to show them how much we care,” said spectator Judy Dossey of Durango. “They’re not fighting for just the Republicans or the Democrats. They’re fighting for all of us.”
Unlike Memorial Day, which honors service members killed in action, Veterans Day honors all people who have served in the U.S. armed forces, living and dead. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there were nearly 4,200 veterans in La Plata County in fiscal year 2013.
Durango resident Larry Zauberis, who served in the Army from 1966 to 1971, said it’s important for people to understand the sacrifices veterans make in answering the call of duty.
President-elect Donald Trump has never served in the armed forces – in fact, he received five draft deferments during Vietnam – but Zauberis is hopeful Trump will make good on his campaign promises to support vets.
It was good to see the number of residents who showed up for Friday’s parade, Zauberis said.
“I thought it was great,” he said of the parade. “I really thought the community turned out to support their vets.”
Gina Preszler brought her kindergarten class from Needham Elementary to watch the parade. Some of the children have family members in the service, she said, and it’s an opportunity to teach them about gratitude.
“They’re young, but I do think we should start early,” Preszler said. “These people did serve our country, and I want them (students) to know the importance of our country and how important these guys are.”
Durango resident Charlene Stephenson, who has traveled the world for ministry purposes, said it is clear to her that America is the best country, and she credited the men and women who serve in the armed forces.
“That’s why we have our freedom,” she said. “They give us our freedom so we can spew whatever we want to spew and vote for whoever we want to vote for.”
Bayfield resident Robert Pope, 81, who served in the Marine Corps from 1953 to 1957, walked the entire parade route, from about College Drive to 11th Street, while bands played, motorcycles rumbled and sirens blared. If his military service taught him anything, it is to “stand straight, stay in shape,” he said.
He was impressed with the turnout and the number of entries in this year’s parade.
Terry Saxon, who organized the parade, also was pleased with the turnout.
“It’s a day the community says ‘thank you’ for the service of their neighbors and their friends who served their country,” he said.
shane@durangoherald.com
