Parade to honor Vietnam veterans
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WOODSFIELD -- Members of the Monroe County VFW are helping to honor Vietnam veterans through the Woodsfield Welcome Home Parade, set for Nov. 11.
Brent Bosley, post commander of the Monroe County VFW 5303 and organizer of the parade, said the parade is meant to honor any veteran who received the Vietnam Service Medal. He said many did not receive the welcome they deserved. So, more than five decades later, they plan to give it to them.
"We want anybody that was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal to be able to show up and be recognized. This should have happened 50 years ago but the political climate at the time, they weren't treated the best and we feel that it's high time that these men and women receive the proper welcome home. We thought there's no time like the present," he said.
The idea to hold the parade was sparked last year following Monroe Central High School's alumni week parade in which three surviving WWII veterans from the county were the grand marshals.
"I had mentioned something to my sister about it and she made the comment that, 'Someone needs to do something for the Vietnam veterans before there's only three of them left.' I thought it was a great idea," he said.
Bosley said he and event co-organizer John Rieck received approval and support from Woodsfield Village Council, allowing them to close down the streets during Veterans Day in order to hold the parade.
The parade will begin at 6 p.m. with a lineup time of around 5:15 p.m. at City Park. It will travel along Main Street in the village.
Though an exact number of floats and vehicles is unknown at this time, Bosley said they have invited every fire and law enforcement department in Monroe County, along with surrounding areas. He said Boy Scout troops, Girl Scout troops and local schools will also be participating.
"It's going to be a very good turnout," he said.
Bosley invites any Vietnam veteran to ride on one of the parade's floats. Those uninterested in riding on a float are asked to attend the celebration.
A Facebook event page has been created for anyone interested in participating or following the parade's progress under "Woodsfield Welcome Home Parade for Vietnam Veterans." Bosley said they are requesting residents or businesses interested in entering a float or veterans interested in riding on a float in the parade to contact them through the page or via email at woodsfieldveteransparade@gmail.com.
The only thing not allowed in the parade is political statements.
"Other than that, anyone that wants to come out and support the Vietnam vets, they are welcome and encouraged to come out and give these men and women the welcome home that they should have had 50 years ago," he said.