Veterans Day parade part of week of activities honoring veterans

Veterans Day should be about giving thanks and recognition for the impact and sacrifice of military service, not only on service members, but on their families as well, according to George Vargas of the Veterans Service Commission in Clovis.

Wednesday marks the 101st year the U.S. has recognized service members on Veterans Day, originally established as Armistice Day.

“This is just a little recognition,” Vargas said. “There’s a lot of things that people don’t know about the military and the sacrifice, not only that the military member makes, but their families, too.”

Recognition for the sacrifices made both past and present by those who serve and those who support them, Vargas said, is important as Veterans Day is recognized.

“It’s a big sacrifice for family members, and it’s even worse when you find out your loved one died in combat,” he said.

“It’s a lot of psychological wear and tear on the family and especially the veteran ... it takes a toll on the entire family.”

Throughout the week, local groups and organizations will be recognizing Veterans Day with a variety of activities from open houses at local veterans clubs to an annual Veterans Day parade on Main Street Saturday.

The theme is “Veterans Still Serving.”

John Montano, parade chairman for the Joint Veterans Council, said the theme was chosen in an effort to recognize not only current military, but the ongoing service to the community and nation that many veterans continue to give even after their military service has ended.

“A lot of our veterans are still serving, one way or another helping our military people,” said Montano.

“Also we want to honor the people that are still serving now.”

This year’s parade is expected to have a good turnout, according to Montano.

Montano said from year to year, the number of entries varies from 30 to 75 floats.

This year he is hopeful to have 100 entries and said he will continue to accept entries up to the time of the parade.

Montano said parade watchers should come prepared for cool weather.

Today
Open House — 6 p.m., VFW Post 3015, 2815 W. 7th in Clovis.
Wednesday
A Tribute to Veterans — 10:30 a.m., Memorial Building at Seventh and Abilene streets in Portales.
Veterans Day breakfast — 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., American Legion No. 25, 2400 W. 7th in Clovis.
White table setting — 8 a.m., Ranchvale Elementary School in Clovis.
Veterans Day assembly — 9 a.m., Mesa Elementary School, 4801 N. Norris in Clovis.
Open House — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., American Legion Post 117, 2800 W. 7th in Clovis.
Veterans Day assembly — 1:30 p.m., Clovis High School Freshman Academy, Main Gym. Hosted by the Air Force ROTC.
Veterans Day assembly — Noon, Elida School cafereria. A brief program to honor area veterans will be followed by lunch.
Veterans Day service — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Eastern New Mexico Campus Union Building Ballroom.
Thursday
Open House — 6 p.m., Elks 1244 Lodge, 218 N. Sycamore in Clovis. Will include flag retirement ceremony.
Veterans Day breakfast — 8 a.m., Baxter-Curren Senior Center. Free for all veterans.
Friday
Open House — 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., DAV No. 6, 220 W. 4th in Clovis.
Open House — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., AMVETS Post No. 14, 2010 W. 7th in Clovis.
Saturday
Veterans Day Parade — 10 a.m., Clovis Main Street. Followed by awards presentation at noon at VFW Post 3280.