Posted: Nov 11, 2009 07:04 PM
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| A cold rain did little to deter Central Oregonians from showing their thanks and support for veterans | |
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| Many walked, but others rode and played in Bend's Veterans Day Parade | |
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| Dick Tobiason read inscription on Heroes Memorial at Bend's Brooks Park | |
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Rescued Bend parade, new memorial dedicated - and events all across the region
From KTVZ.COM news sources
From Bend and Redmond to Prineville and Madras - all across the High Desert Wednesday, a cold midweek rain did nothing to dampen the patriotic fervor, or the large crowds that turned out to honor veterans at a variety of Veterans Day events.
Along with the traditional parades, chili feeds and the like was a special dedication in downtown Bend of the Bend Heroes Memorial, erected at Brooks Park, on the west side of the Newport Avenue Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Hundreds gathered as two granite memorials were unveiled in remembrance of Bend's fallen veterans.
The names engraved on it include 109 Bend veterans who died during wars from World War I to present, as well as four of Bend's first responders.
Then there was the 10th annual Bend Veterans Day Parade - threatened by financial problems, but rescued by many NewChnnel 21 viewers.
It included all of the traditional parade entrants, from bands to floats, fancy cars and of course soldiers, who made their way through downtown, greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic cheers.
One veteran we caught up, William Hobbs, with said the support he's seen from the community is much appreciated.
"It means a lot to me when I get people to say 'Thank you,' because I spent a good part of my adult life as a Marine, and it just makes me feel good, appreciated," he said.
A drop in corporate sponsorships and individual donations at one point put the parade in jeopardy.
But volunteers, businesses and people throughout the community raised enough money to keep the parade going after NewsChannel 21's story about its lack of funding.
In fact, organizers say this year's parade turnout was the largest ever.
It was a sight so many were thrilled to see.
Sgt. Terrance Wonser, a Marine Corps recruiter. said he's served overseas, and "I've also had friends I've served with who didn't come back, so this day is very important to me."
Another parade spectator, Laurel Johnson, said, "I have a nephew in the war, and I just really want to help support other men and women who are out fighting for us and the freedom."
Army veteran Tim Will was moved by the large turnout.
"To have this kind of show of support, not only on Veterans Day but in light of what just happened," he said. "It's amazing to me to see people come out, thank me for my service. It was just something that I did because I thought I had to."
Spectator Laura McGinnis said, "We've got such a great community, and it's so nice to know that they are standing behind their veterans. Because it really is important to let them know all veterans from all generations that we do appreciate them, we appreciate their service - so this is just wonderful that it's still happening."
Organizer Rabbine Harpell couldn't have been happier, or prouder.
"This really proves who Bend is," she said. "We are neighbors helping neighbors, and one community. Everyone was out here supporting us, so what a day! Even the veterans were remarking how they felt so loved and acknowledged, and people really care. So what a great Veterans Day Parade it was today."
Bend's Veterans Day Parade is one of the largest in Oregon, with more than 60 entries.
Parade organizers say they plan on having the parade again next year, and say it's going to be even bigger and better.
In Prineville, troops marched and flags were held high, as the city's annual parade got under way at 11a.m.
The parade began on Second Street, behind the Crook County Courthouse. It continued down Third Street and ended near the Ochoco Creek Park.
Many parade-goers had personal ties to veterans, and know first-hand how hard these men and women have worked for our country.
Lena Asselin said, "My husband is a Vietnam veteran. He was in the Marine Corps for four years, and got shot up. Our troops, as well as our cadets who will one day be troops, are here for our freedom. And they take care of us in more ways than one."
Wednesday night, Crook County High School hosted 20 performing groups to honor veterans and their families and friends.
Of course, the "Flag City" of Redmond would not let this day go by without a big parade to honor its local veterans.
In La Pine, it was a day packed with veterans events, starting at the La Pine Community Cemetery, where veterans from World War II, Vietnam and Iraq all gathered to honor both fallen soldiers and those who are alive today.
Many then went to the American Legion hall in La Pine for food, drinks and reflection.
"If it wasn't for our veterans, we wouldn't be who we are today," said veteran Larry Matthews. "We might be under a dictatorship, you know - everybody knows that freedom is not free."
Fellow veteran Larry White said, "Freedom to roam about, go to the grocery store, live in a house, do whatever - nobody's dictating to us what we can and cannot do. That's what being a veteran is all about."
One more way to say 'thank you' to veterans: a $5 haircut.
Edge Barbershop and Salon in Bend practically gave away their services Wednesday to local veterans and their families.
The salon's owner says veterans have sacrificed a lot for the rest of us, and she thought it was a great way to give back.
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