Veterans Day Event Support Appreciated
The successful Veterans Day parade and ceremony are over and there are many people who deserve thanks for helping to put this all together, says Bob Hopkins, who organized this year’s event.
“Chandra Mogensen, who organizes the Christmas parade, showed me how to get a parade formed up,” he said.
Merryn Williams designed the “Uncle Sam Wants You” poster. Sheryl Wagner of the visitor’s center helped with marketing and TV coverage, along with her assistant Patti Williams. Marketing expert Heather Barone helped with social media inputs.
Between the three school superintendents, Phillip Thompson, Rebecca Walters and Heather Ault, they provided about 700 school children, two high school bands and cheerleaders and a choir of 51 fifth grade singers of patriotic songs, led by Angie Rader. “Her husband, Brent, did a masterful job setting up the sound system for the parade ceremony,” Hopkins added.
“Mark Cline, who loves parades as much as the spectators, pleased everyone as ‘Uncle Sam,’ dancing on his special float,” he said.
University Florist owner Sybil Adams saw to it that over 500 balloons were blown up and distributed to the school kids.
Dr. Gregory Parker, head of the Washington and Lee University Music Department, prayed for veterans and their families and then sang a wonderful rendition of “America the Beautiful” during the ceremony, Hopkins said.
Darin Palmer of Southern Virginia University provided 13 volunteers to keep an eye on barricaded streets during the parade and also set up 90 chairs in front of the old courthouse.
The Lexington Woman’s Club distributed well over 500 flags for the children and even had ponchos for participants if needed. Local radio station 3WZ, hosted by “Big Dawg” 100.3, aired complimentary parade marketing.
“A special thanks goes to Lexington City Police Capt. Ron Condry’s traffic management skills, Patrick Madigan’s public works department for barricades, flags, street sweeping and vacuuming, City Manager Tom Carroll and City Council for their support that contributed greatly to the parade’s success,” he said. “Mayor Frank Friedman’s support was noteworthy as was his participation in the parade’s ceremony.”
Discounts and monetary donations were given by the Drew Ross Foundation and Sarah Ross Geisen, Mountain City #67 Masonic Lodge, Central Virginia Rental, James Allen Printing and the Community Services Board.
“Thanks to VMI for furnishing 80 cadets, their Pipe Band and a color guard - all on a school day,” Hopkins said. “Their superintendent, Lt. Gen. David Furness, USMC, retired, gave a masterful presentation as the keynote speaker.
“The News-Gazette, for two weeks in a row, allotted front page coverage to the Veterans Day Memorial, parade and ceremony ... something that is seldom done and greatly appreciated by the citizens and veterans of this community.
“Thanks to all from a grateful Vietnam vet,” concluded Hopkins.
