Parade ignites many veterans' deepest emotions
BY TERRY EVANS
Jim Messinger said he almost lost his composure only twice from the reviewing stand.
One of a handful of notables who spoke before Weatherford s Veterans Day Parade, the Vietnam helicopter pilot said he was feeling “way too many emotions” as he read a list of wars that have claimed American lives and preserved American freedom. He added that fellow Vietnam veterans are the primary group welcoming warriors who return from conflicts in the Middle East.
“They ‘ re trying to make up for what happened after Vietnam,” he said, referring to the poor treatment returning troops received then .
American sentiment is dramatically different now, and Saturday's parade was an excellent example.
Not only was it the longest Veterans Day parade Weatherford Mayor Joe Tison could remember, it also was the best attended.
“Veterans are telling me they’re excited to see this many people come out to participate in the parade,” he said. “But the people who are watching are participants as well. It wouldn’t be a parade without them.”
Veteran activist Chuck Katlic agreed that Saturday's was the best parade yet.
“I never saw so many flags flying,” said the survivor of the Battle of the B ulge. “People are more patriotic than they ' ve ever been. Soon the flag wavers will outnumber the non-flag wavers.”
