Lexington, SC (Paul Kirby) – The Lexington Veterans’ Day celebrations kicked off Sunday afternoon with a parade down Main Street. The weather was a bit cool and overcast, but no rain fell to dampen the spirits of the large crowd that had gathered to say thanks to those who have served our country in the armed services. Patriotism was evident everywhere as the throngs of people waved small America flags, wore red, white, and blue ribbons, jackets, or other clothing, and held signs that simply read, Thank You.
As one would expect, the Lexington Police Department led the procession and the town’s leaders rode on a float not far behind. Besides those units and a few beauty queens that obviously brightened the day, some children dancing and waving ribbons, and Blowy, the mascot of the Lexington County Blowfish, it was all military after that. Many of the county’s high school bands including Lexington, White Knoll, Gilbert, River Bluff, and Pelion marched by playing various patriotic tunes. There were also marching units from most JROTC programs, active duty service men and women walking, marching, or riding, and many retired vets from groups like the Order of the Purple Heart, The American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Additionally, Congressman Joe Wilson, a retired member of the Army National Guard himself, was standing in a beautifully restored, true to period Jeep that was either a World War II model or at the latest from the Korean Conflict era.
Many from the crowd shouted thank you as the procession went by. In this day of political upheaval in our nation’s capital, we saw none of that in Lexington. What we saw was a well-organized and fitting tribute to the people who have served our country so that we have the right to vote, to live free, and to attend a parade in Lexington to say thanks. In short it was great.
