Thousands Participate In 96th Annual Veterans Day Parade
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Tens of thousands of veterans live here in Western Pennsylvania as the 96th Annual Veterans Day Parade took place Saturday.
They are the men and women who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. There's no way to repay our debt to them.
Several generations of soldiers and dozens of marching bands strolled through the streets. An estimated 3,500 people took part.
"Our nation is the world's leader and as the world leader, we do have a price to pay for that. We do have a price to pay for our leadership. Thank God we have such a great military to defend our country," said Major general John Dronski, who served as the parade's Grand Marshal.
Ralph Ussack, decorate veteran, believes that what has been done is essential to keeping the United States free.
"It's what they've done that's the most important thing that keeps us free. And freedom, unfortunately isn't free."
Saturday's parade came when there is much debate going on about how well the veterans are cared for when they return from combat. Mike Doyle, U.S. Congressman, who represents the Pittsburgh area, says what's been done isn't nearly enough.
"There seems to be no amount of money that's too much to spend on weapons, but when these men and women come back after they're serving, and they have post-traumatic stress and other medical afflictions, we argue about budgets."
Even so, this day, this parade means a lot to these veterans. Especially 95-year old Hermen McFarland, who survived the Battle of the Bulge and doesn't miss a Veteran's Day Parade.
"Remember the ones that are still over there. That's what is most important. We come back, but a lot of them did never come back. that's what I want them to remember."
They are only remembered one day a year, but should remember them always.
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