West Chester Veterans Day Parade

You've heard it before right? On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, the guns fell silent, thus ending World War I, the war to end all wars.

Well, that didn't exactly happen, (end war I mean) but we've celebrated Armistice day, now Veterans Day, ever since.

So once again, I have personal proof as to one of the myriad of reasons why living in West Chester is so dang cool. Sunday West Chester celebrated Veterans Day by having veterans, their supporters, loved ones, some restored military vehicles, and marching bands march down Gay Street to the Borough hall and the Garden of Honor for speeches and to lay a wreath to honor all those that served.


Note: Sarcastic statement follows....

"What's wrong people, couldn't make it downtown to show your appreciation? You could pour on to the streets for the Phillies win, you could stand in line for hours to vote, which I appreciate believe me, but couldn't come out and wave and smile and say thank you to someone who served you? No? Really? Not even 15 minutes? Too busy? Oh ok, that's cool, whatever...."

Note: Sarcastic statement ends.....

SOME people made it out, and that was pretty cool. Our recently victorious and deservedly so representative from the 156th district Barbara McIlvaine-Smith led the way, and I don't know, I just kind of get goosebumps and my eyes well up when I see people making an effort to thank the troops.

Actually, it's historically been a low key event, and in the interest of full disclosure I only stumbled across it last year, but I'm hoping that in coming years more and more people know about it, more military vehicles will come, maybe more military units can make it, heck dream big, how about a fly by of some WWII warbirds or helicopters or the Blue Angels or something?

I barely consider myself a Veteran, maybe because I've never been shot at, (well, actually I was shot at, but that was essentially a friendly fire incident, and a whole other story) and unless being in Hokkaido, Japan for an exercise for 2 weeks in January 1989, and spending the night at Guantanamo Bay counts, or flying in circles below the 24th parallel, I really am in awe of those who served in harms way.

This is why again, I must reiterate, how much I like living in West Chester, because of the diversity of the community, because of the deep respect for the past, while at the same time an eye on the future, this place really can't be beat.

Let's show the love next year though ok? Sad thing is that some Veterans of WWII are dying at a rate of 1000 a day, and we're still creating Veterans every day, so let's not forget them eh?