November 11, 2009
At the 11th minute, of the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month Dallas kicked-off its annual Veterans Day parade down Main Street.
Thousands of participants and onlookers crowded downtown Dallas on a sunny mild weathered day. It was perfect weather as people began to find a position on the parade route. Members of the 1st Calvary of Fort Hood, TX were honored with leading the procession beginning at Reunion Arena, making their way north on Houston Street, east on Main Street, south on Ervay Street, west on Young Street, south on Akard Street, and ending in front of Dallas City Hall.
This year's theme was "Honoring Our Military Medical Corps," and the Dallas Independent School District pulled out all the stops. All of the Dallas high schools were represented with marching bands, cheerleaders, drill teams and members of the ROTC programs from all branches of the military. Friendly onlookers watched more than 100 units march the streets, displaying the colors proudly and providing the musical entertainment. All branches of the military were represented with groups of the past, present and future warriors. Ages of the parade participants ranged from 6 to 96.
Prior to the start of the ceremonies and parade, 100 military recruits took the oath of enlistment. At the reviewing stand on City Hall Plaza, veterans in full dress uniform - chests full of medals - stood to salute each passing American flag in nearly two hour long parade. The parade units paused for a flyover of vintage World War II planes.
Democratic State Representative Rafael Anchia says the sorrow and shadow of the Fort Hood tragedy was palpable along the parade route, but he says he takes heart in the promise of the new recruits who took their oath to defend and serve this Veterans Day. I have nothing but a heart full of pride for this state, this country, and these young men and women.
Video Description:
Thank You
1st Calvary Fort Hood, TX
Veterans from the past, present and future
DISD HS Marching Bands and ROTC
Video Production
USFallen.org
Jerry Castillo
Producer