WEATHERFORD — Every year, the nation gathers together to honor those who served in the military.
On Saturday, Parker County gathered to pay tribute to veterans during the Parker County Veteran’s Day Parade outside the Weatherford Ninth Grade Center.
“On behalf of all of us, I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the veterans and their families,” American Legion Post 163 commander Bill Mallory said. “So many have served and paid the ultimate price for our country and our country’s freedom.”
Mallory read letters from Senator John Cornyn and Rick Perry, and introduced several speakers including Weatherford Mayor Dennis Hooks, World War II veteran Chuck Katlic and special guest Richard T. Stanley, who served in the Third Army in World War II.
Eric Matthews, a U.S. Army veteran with more than 15 years of service, closed out the presentation by reflecting on the military as a whole as well as his own experiences.
“There is nothing like seeing people that have never had the opportunity to vote go to the polls for the first time,” he said of his Afghanistan experience. “There’s nothing like having children run around yelling ‘We love the United States!’ “Our soldiers have been there for America and protected our Constitution.”
After a rousing rendition of God Bless America and a fly by, veterans and other participants loaded up trucks, trailers and motorcycles to parade through downtown Weatherford along Main Street.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the military,” Karl Moore, Weatherford resident and U.S. Air Force veteran, said. “It is important that the military stays strong and always has a positive attitude.”
