The title above was a comment made by a gentleman who was part of a group of men and women enjoying a light breakfast together and assembling for the Veteran's Day Parade in Manassas VA.
American Legion Post 10 of Manassas conceived, planned and managed the Inaugural Veteran's Day Parade in Manassas, VA. The parade had 91 Grand Marshals. Why 91? It was decided that the parade would honor as many Prince William County World War II veterans as possible and 91 was the number who responded to the call.
My husband and business partner, Arthur, was one of the 91 since he is a WWII veteran, having served in the South Pacific and China as a US Marine.
As you can see they were aboard a huge flatbed trailer decorated and equipped as a float, leading the parade through Old Town Manassas. I can attest to the fact they received enthusiastic applause and comments as they rode along. They stopped across from the reviewing stand as the hour long parade passed in review.
Arthur is standing in the center of the float below without a hat
Although Arthur is many years my senior he is both physically and mentally alert, but more importantly, like most other men and women on that float he
Shouted "Thank you for your service" or "God Bless You" and similar phrases to any active duty military personnel standing along the parade route
Paid honor to the American flag with a salute (appropriate for veterans) or hand over their heart each time it passed them
We honor all veterans on this day, but it is easy to understand why the name "Greatest Generation" has been reserved for this unique group. Frankly, they might just be able to fool you and win another war. At the very least I know they would be more than ready to give it a try if it was necessary.
"We can't all be heroes. Someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." - Will Rogers
The good people of Manassas played their part enthusiastically as the WWII vets passed by.
This is a great tribute to Arthur and your veterans from Manassas, Karen! That was quite a parade to last an hour. Thanks for sharing this with us Karen.
Karen, what a lovely tribute to the Veterans in Manassas and to your husband, Arthur. All generations after The Greatest Generation can learn many lessons of sacrifice and what are the real priorities in life. Please thank Arthur for his service to our country!
They are truly beautiful and I am grateful for their sacrifices so that I may live free today! Thank you to your husband and you for serving...families deserve honor too for standing by their soldiers!!! Happy Veteran's Day!
Loved your post. An appropriate day for sure to post it. A big thank you to Arthur and all of his fellow veterans. They deserve this special day - and so much more.
Awesome post! It's because of people like Arthur that any of us still have the right to express our opinions as openly as we do. My father was a WWII veteran, and my Grandfather was a WWI veteran. And I must say, there's just something different and more genuine about those who have served in such capacity. Please pass my gratitude on to Arthur. Thank you for sharing.
Karen, Loved the pictures. Arthur has a wonderful smile.
I am fortunate to be surrounded by veterans in my daily life, with two very special ones working with me as REALTORS.
My high school sweetheart was killed in Viet Nam. As a survivor of that generation I pray that we never treat our veterans as those young men and women (those who made it back) were treated.
I live near Cherry Point and Camp LeJuene in North Carolina and I'm surrounded by Marines. We make sure to give them our support and respect at all times, as we should. We love our Marines
This is a great post. What is always remarkable to me is that veterans do not consider themselves heroes. They will tell you the buddies that fell beside them are the true heroes. These are extraordinary people who performed bravely and honorably under circumstances most of us could never understand. It brings you back to reality when we complain about such petty things as commissions, listings and appraisals.
Karen, What a wonderful and touching post. So nice that 91 WWII vets were in attendance to be honored at the Veterans Day parade. I love the Will Rogers quote "We can't all be heroes. Someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."
Thank you to Arthur and all of the veterans and active duty servicemen and women for your service to our country.
We look at these people and think they are old and slow, but they kicked butt when they were in their prime! We need to honor them today and every day.
I've talked with a few of the guys that fought in WWII (as well as some other conflicts). They have almost all been understated and reluctant to "recount exploits"... All too often a trait that seems lacking today.
Karen, Wonderful post. My Dad served in WWII in Africa and the Pacific. When you think how primitive their equipment was compared to today - you have to marvel at their guts and tenacity.
As Lane points out. You never hear a complaint or knew of anyone with post traumatic stress syndrome.
Karen,
Thanks to Arthur and all Veterans past and present and the men and women currently serving. That's a fine looking group on the flat bed.
Hendersonville had a lovely service at our old Courthouse and we had a small ceremony in our retirement community to add and raise the POW/MIA flag on our flag pole.
My husband (Korean Vet) and I had lived in Chantilly, VA and spent a lot of time in Manassas. That was about 25 years ago (how time flies!) I remember Chantilly and Manassas as smaller towns with a country feel but I know that has changed quite a bit since we left. We've been told we would no longer recognize Leesburg as well.
Sue of Robin and Sue
I loved this post, the members of the Greatest Generation have a special place in my heart. They so selflessly gave so much of themselves for all of us.
They were certainly more physically fit 50 years ago but the character that their experiences produced is of more interest to me. The sacrifice and loss they experienced influenced every decision and choice they made over the last 50 plus years.
Karen, when I look at those pictures I do not see old me but heros. I watched a lot of WWII TV stuff yesterday and am always moved to tears when I see just how bravely men died fighting for what this country stood for at that time.
Dave Most people don't realize that WWII men and women displayed the real American spirit and so did the rest of our countrymen - it was a reaffirmation of our value system that has never been equaled since
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Great post! Thanks for the reminder of the real heroes in this world!