Letter: Eastern Shore Veterans Day Parade says thanks

On behalf of the Eastern Shore Veterans Day Parade Committee, I am writing to say thank you. The sixth annual parade was our best parade yet, and it is all thanks to you. As our parade continues to grow, so does our admiration and respect for our participants, spectators, sponsors and volunteers. 

Thank you to our Grand Marshal Dr. Mayer Katz. You are a true hero, and we are grateful that you took the time to come out and support the parade. You are a genuine, kind-hearted person who has saved many lives, first in Vietnam, and later as a vascular surgeon. Veterans and past patients thank you daily, and so do we. Your excitement to be a part of our parade made it all worth it. 

For the first time in our short history, we were honored to have Gov. John Carney in our parade. Thank you for making the trip to Laurel, and walking in our parade and stopping to speak with many of the spectators along the way. We hope you return and help us grow our parade. 

Thank you to the town of Laurel, especially Town Manager Jamie Smith, for continuing to support our parade and helping with the logistics to make it successful.  It is evident each year that the town also wants our parade to grow and be successful. Thank you as well to the Laurel Police Department. 

A parade, no matter the size, cannot succeed without support and donations. Thank you to American Legion Post 19 for hosting our parade each year, and providing lunch for our veterans immediately following the event. American Legion Post 19 continues to help us with anything we may need, and helps promote it amongst its members. 

Sussex County Council has supported us for many years, not only with a monetary donation, but also by participating in our parade. Sen. Bryant Richardson has supported our parade from the beginning, and continues to champion it on both the state and local level. Thank you to both the council and Sen. Richardson for understanding the importance of our parade, and helping us honor our veterans. 

A special thank you to Jake Smith of WGMD for having our parade Chairperson Christie Shirey on your show a couple times, and helping us not only sell our T-shirts, but helping us raise funds to provide a wonderful parade. 

Other sponsors we wish to thank are: Walmart, Edward Jones Investments Office of Melinda Tingle, Barton’s Landscaping, Tyndall’s Casual Furniture, Matt Parker of Lincoln Financial Advisors, International Order of Odd Fellows, Avery Hall Insurance Agency, Maxine’s Hair Happenings, Mike Cotton, Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 19 and ServPro. 

This year we were honored to have some groups travel a good distant to be a part of the parade. Thank you to St. Andrew’s Legion Pipes and Drums for traveling for the second year in a row from Richmond, Va. You are a showstopper in the parade and many spectators look forward to your performance. Another great performance joining us this year was the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, who is the official ceremonial unit and escort to the president of the United States. You were an excellent lead-off to our parade. 

Washington High School Marching Band also returned, and we hope to see you again. You are not only a talented group of students, but also a respectful group.

For another year the Baltimore City Mounted Police Unit made the trip to our parade. The beautiful horses are a major draw each year, and we can’t wait to see you again.

Joining Baltimore this year was the Ocean City Mounted Police Unit. Thank you for attending, and we look forward to your return in years to come. 

Our parade continues to grow, but we still have a long way to go to make this a must-attend event in Sussex County.

Spread the word not only to participate, but to attend. Our veterans deserve our honor, and we hope to line the streets in the years to come with people and produce a parade showcasing that honor. 

Mark your calendar now for Saturday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. in downtown Laurel for the 7th Annual Eastern Shore Veterans Day Parade.

For more information, visit www.devetparade.com, email Sussexvetday@gmail.com, or follow on Facebook and Twitter by searching 6th Annual Eastern Shore Veterans Day Parade.

Kitt Parker
Eastern Shore Veterans Day Parade committee