McDowell honors veterans with 98th annual parade

Veteran’s Day parades happened across the area Friday, one of which might be the largest in the country. The ceremonial 21-gun salute and playing of “Taps” begins the official vets parade at 11.

This year is commemorating the 15th anniversary of 9/11 with special recognition for Iraq, Afghanistan and other post-9/11 veterans and first responders. After turning north on 10th street, it will end at the Veteran’s Memorial on 10th & Chestnut, where the community is invited to a short memorial service.

“I’ve been coming for several years, this is [my son’s] third year”, says Vietnam Veteran, Albert Boucher.

“It’s a day where you can celebrate the veterans for serving for us”, One child said.

In Branson, they’ve been honoring our veterans all week long. Patriotic organizations are invited to participate and the public is welcome.

Veterans, their families and the community gathered at the St. Cloud VA Friday for an annual Veterans Day Ceremony.

Those who served were proud to show their support.

Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice were honored with five decorated and empty chairs, representing soldiers lost in the five branches of the military.

“From defeating communism, fascism, imperialism, to liberating slaves, keeping the peace during the Cold War and battling terrorism today, veterans have accomplished remarkable things throughout our nation’s history”, Dunbar said. “We had three young people who came out of the audience and said they wanted to help”.