Annual Parade Remembers Those Who Served
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Cities across the country commemorated Veterans Day Monday.
As Alex DeMetrick reports, Baltimore was no exception.
It looked much like any other parade, but on Veterans Day it's different.
And it couldn't be more personal for many, like the Gold Star mothers who carried photos of children lost in combat.
"And we are here representing our children, many of whom were killed in the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars," said Michelle Murphy, Gold Star mother.
It's a march of shared experience, bringing together people who might be strangers most of the year, but who gather each year at Baltimore's War Memorial Plaza under big flags and small.
"We are a city of neighbors helping neighbors to build a stronger community and strong nation. Today we honor our veterans who have selflessly given to honor that vision," said Clarence Davis, Baltimore Veterans Commission.
While the calendar calls this a holiday, for veterans it's a long chain of sacrifice linking back to past wars.
"I served in Desert Storm, and it's a chance to honor those who came and died in wars before me," said Kirk McTuire, veteran.
It goes even further back into Vietnam and Korea, back to the total war waged in World War II and the war that was supposed to end all wars, and whose conclusion at 11 a.m. on the 11th day on the 11th month became Veterans Day, and by extension, everyone's day.
"It should be recognized as a day and tribute to celebrate their freedom that was given to them by those who served," said Christian Parker, veteran.
While Veterans Day now encompasses every conflict, the last living survivor of World War I died last year at the age of 110.
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