LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. —
Many visitors braved the cold weather Saturday to attend a Veteran’s Day celebration to honor those who served in the military to preserve American freedom.
The young and old were waving flags as veterans, JROTC of South and North Laurel high schools, military vehicles, Shriner’s cars, motorcycles, and antique vehicles paraded through downtown London.
Judge-Executive David Westerfield said the turnout was good and the event a success. “People were lined up and down Main Street for the parade,” he said. “There were a lot.”
Many of the visitors to the celebration were veterans or had veteran family members.
Wilma Minton’s brother, John Crawford, served two tours in the U.S. Army in Vietnam.
“I brought him last year, but he passed away,” Minton said sadly. “People don’t know how much they sacrificed.”
Carmon Brewer attended the event with his wife, Mary.
“I was in the service from April ‘69 to February ‘70,” Carmon Brewer said.
Kevin Garry said he came to the celebration to honor the veterans.
Three members of Charlene Parker’s family were in the service.
“My dad, Earl Rudder, was in the Navy in the Korean War for four years,” she said. “My brother, Charles Rudder Sr., was in the Navy for two years. My cousin, Bobby Sims, was killed in service.”
Paula Bush’s husband, William Lee Bush Sr., was in the U.S. Navy for four years.
“He recently passed away,” she said, holding back tears. “He went in in 1961. He was a medic and was stationed in Norfolk, Va., most of the time.”
Debra Parra said she attended the event because her stepfather was in Vietnam and her daughter, Mariana, is in JROTC.
The celebrations began at the Laurel County Courthouse with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance, followed by a POW/MIA service, flag folding and patriotic music. After the parade, a fish fry, which included hush puppies, french fries, coleslaw, baked beans, soft drinks, and desserts, was held at the American Legion Post 16.
cmills@sentinel-echo.com
Local News
Related Photos
-
Members of the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 88 in Corbin folded an American Flag during the Veteran's celebration in downtown London Saturday. The Honor Guard included Commander Donald “Doc” Butler, Raymond Gillon, Bob Tye, Jill Fisher, Honor Guard Commander J.C. Myers, Bill Hobbs, and Mike Mitchell. Photo by Carol Mills
-
North Laurel High’s JROTC Navy cadets rounded the curve at Ninth Street as they marched in the parade down Main Street. Photo by Carol Mills
November 8, 2012
Veteran's Day celebration draws good crowd
- Local News
-
-
Laurel students ready for next chapter: North graduates 318
-
Diplomas presented to 286 at South
-
Photos of robbery at truck stop released
-
Road built to Levi Jackson Family Cemetery
-
A new network: Recruitment reception for 2014 Leadership class
The informational session to enter the 2014 Leadership Tri-County Class is Thursday, May 30 at 1 p.m. at the London Community Center.
-
Baptist Breast Care now open
-
Services offer convenience, comfort for patient
- Female inmates join work crews
- New veterinary hospital coming to London
-
Man saves two in fiery crash
- More Local News Headlines
-
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
