Published: November 01, 2009 10:11 pm         

Parade, flyover to mark Veterans Day

America’s veterans don’t ask for much. They haven’t asked for thanks, they just did their job when they were called. But the nation agreed once a year to show its respect by setting aside a day to honor them. It’s small thanks for the sacrifices they made.

Enid will hold its annual Veterans Day observance at 10 a.m. Saturday, starting with a downtown parade and flyover by Vance Air Force Base aircraft.

The annual parade will recognize and honor veterans who defended the country, said Donald Marquardt, member of the Garfield County Veterans Council. The flyover will kick off the event, with the parade route starting on Grand and continuing around the Square, ending at Convention Hall.

A Veterans Day program will be held in the gazebo on the north side of the Garfield County Court House immediately following the parade. Guest speakers are Col. Mark C. Nowland, 71st Flying Training Wing commander, and Enid Mayor John Criner.

The council still is in need of organizations to enter floats, bands or marching or walking groups in the parade, said Mike Hellman, Veterans Day coordinator. The Veterans Council invites area veterans to participate in the parade by coming downtown to ride in a vintage car or on a float. Veterans who participate must report to the parking lot west of Convention Hall by 9 a.m. Saturday. They do not have to be in uniform.

Hellman, the commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2270 in Enid, is a Vietnam War veteran. He understands why it is important to recognize veterans.

“To preserve freedom. We recognize those who served America. In my belief, we need to recognize our veterans,” he said.

Hellman said there is only one day a year when veterans are recognized, whether they have been in war or not.

“We recognize them for standing up, taking the oath, putting on the uniform and protecting our freedom. That’s what it is all about,” he said.

Hellman said he is unsure which organizations will be represented, except area law enforcement and fire departments have agreed to appear.

“We will have a flyover at 10 a.m. They will fly over the courthouse at 1,000 feet, weather permitting,” he said.