A Salute to our veterans

The streets of Downtown Redmond will be a sea of red, white and blue as proud citizens gather

with American flags in hand to salute local Veterans marching down 6th street during the Veterans Day parade on November 11.

Unlike most Redmond parades, which begin at 10 a.m., as a tribute to Armistice Day — which marked the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front during World War I — the parade will begin at 11 a.m.

Larry Roshak, commander for the Redmond branch of American Legion, explained that the event will lead off with the flag presentation — beginning with the Veterans of Foreign Wars flag, followed by the POW and state flags, with the Vietnam commemoration banner flying behind that and finishing with all six of the veterans flags.

The event is intended to honor all veterans and the American Legion’s biggest goal is to see as many members from Redmond post #44 in the event as possible. Organizers also hope to

encourage widespread veteran participation, whether it be through marching in the parade or as observers.

“We love to have all veterans come out for Veterans Day,” Roshak emphasized. “We were all in and all served for the same purpose and we like to see as many turn out as possible.

“Any veteran that shows up down there marches with us whether they carry a flag or not,” Roshak added.

Roshak said he and other veterans appreciate community turnout and support during the parade and hope the event offers an opportunity to spread awareness about flag etiquette. He and other veterans value seeing parents teach their children respect for the flag, but many people, he explained, are unaware of how to properly pay tribute to the flag when it is presented.

Proper courtesy includes standing, removing hats, and placing the hand over the heart when the American flag passes by. Additionally, Roshak explained, veterans have the option to salute as they have earned that privilege.

Understanding how to honor the flag is particularly important in Redmond, where 1,400 full-sized American flags are proudly displayed. Each of them once flew over the U.S. Capital, and are now a representation of Redmond’s commitment to patriotism. The impressive flag display even resulted in the United States Congress identifying the town as “Flag City USA” in 1999.

While honoring the flags that pass during the parade is important, the event is a special opportunity for citizens to pay tribute to and celebrate the service of veterans. The parade helps veterans feel a connection to the community, support for their service and brings recognition to

the contributions they have made overseas.

“The significance of the parade is the recognition of the veterans,” said Mike Trammel, VFW commander for the Redmond post.

“People don’t care what war we were in or where we served, whether we fought or not, but that we were willing to defend our Constitution. It’s great to see the community, especially younger kids, come out and learn about veterans and patriotism.”

While all veterans are encouraged to participate, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are trying to raise support and increase participation particularly for veterans who recently served in conflict zones in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“One of the things we’re focused on at the VFW is getting the younger veterans that are busy getting new careers started and make them aware of the support available to them,” said Trammel.

The importance of maintaining a strong membership at the VFW is to ensure that elected officials understand that veterans’ rights shouldn’t be neglected, he added.

Redmond’s Veterans Day parade will travel along Sixth Street beginning on Dogwood Avenue and ending at Forest Avenue. Ridgeview and Redmond High School marching bands will play patriotic music, while colorfully decorated floats, and classic cars travel along the parade route with the marching veterans.