By Stephen Smoot
“We’re having our parade. It’s on November 11 at 11 AM,” stated David Minor of the Shinnston Lions Club. This august community service club has honored veterans with a Pike Street parade for generations.
A number of churches, businesses, and community organizations have indicated their desire to join the festivities. “We have heard from the ROTC, churches, and also individuals have responded,” Minor stated, but added that typically many of the participants wait until the last minute to sign on.
“We invite every local business and every individual who wants to participate,” he said.
An important message underlies the family fun of the Veterans’ Day Parade. Minor explained that the country should recognize the service of every veteran who served honorably in the armed forces. “Not everyone served in action,” Minor said, “but everyone who served had a purpose.
He added that he wants all veterans “to be proud of their service. Just because you weren’t in a combat zone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be proud of your service.”
November 11 originally bore the moniker Armistice Day. It marked the cease fire between forces of the Allies and those of the Central Powers at the close of World War I. The end of the flighting led to a peace defined by the Treaty of Versailles that the United States ultimately chose to not ratify due to the requirement that signees join the League of Nations and participate in its collective security mandates.
Minor shared that Shinnston “is really proud of its veterans. They always show up for the parade. Everyone compliments the parade. They seem to really like it.”
Three marshals will be selected to lead the parade. The announcement of their names will take place later in the month.
With so much of the world in a state of unease, it’s the familiar traditions that provide comfort.