Town 'n Country: A day to wave the flag, honor veterans
The Veterans Day event boasts a 2-mile parade with 105 units marching, free flags and a family fair.
By JACKIE RIPLEY
Published November 7, 2003
TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Free flags, free parking and a chance to salute your country.
Expect all this and more at Saturday's annual Veterans Day Parade in Town 'N Country.
"All in all, it's going to be a great day to wave a flag, exhibit patriotism and say thanks," said Thomas Hughey, a veteran of the Korean conflict and one of the parade organizers. "We need to take the time to show we're really grateful to all the men and women who are veterans."
Hughey said 8,000 flags will be handed out to spectators Saturday morning, in anticipation of the 10 a.m. parade, which heads east on Woodbridge Boulevard and south on Hanley Road. It disperses just past Paula Drive.
The reviewing stand for the 2-mile parade will be on the west side of Hanley at Jackson Springs Road, but crowds also are expected to line Woodbridge Boulevard.
This year's honorees are the parents of Marine, Lance Cpl. Antonio Sledd of Carrollwood, killed in Kuwait during the military buildup leading to the invasion of Iraq.
"His mother will place a wreath on a standard" in front of the viewing stand, Hughey said.
A children's choir will perform at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church on Hanley Road, singing patriotic songs throughout the parade.
"I would just guarantee they will put a tear in your eye, a lump in your throat, a smile on your face and a feeling of pride you'll always remember," Hughey said.
The parade, which takes about an hour and a half, has 105 units, a far cry from its humble origins nearly 20 years ago. A 1980s Veterans Day Parade in Town 'N Country fizzled after a few years. This parade, started in 1994, drew about 1,000 spectators its first year and has continued to grow.
A family fair at Webb Middle School on Hanley Road will continue the day's festivities. The carnival will open after the parade.
"We'll supply the flag," Hughey said. "All they have to do is wave it."
