FORT WORTH -- Thousands marched and rode through downtown streets Saturday morning, waving American flags and giving thanks to those who have served the country.
A day before Veterans Day, families and friends lined the streets, children perched on parents' shoulders and rode in strollers to watch the annual parade. Music from high school bands and the roar of the revved motorcycle engines of American Legion Riders filled the air.Daniel Lewis, 12, of Arlington sat on the curb, waving to uniformed soldiers and veterans. Daniel, who has attended the parade nearly every year, said he wants to join the military someday and stand up for his country."We should all say thank you and appreciate the sacrifices the veterans make," he said.The parade, organized by the Tarrant County Veterans Council, drew some 5,000 participants and as many viewers. This year's theme honored active-duty soldiers and veterans who have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.Roland Paquette, who retired from the Air Force in 1993 after 20 years, said too few people understand the sacrifices the soldiers make."Unless you are directly involved, you do not realize what these people give up and what they go through to protect our freedom," said Paquette, vice president of the council. "We need to respect our veterans 365 days a year, but Veterans Day is a good reminder."It was 10-month-old Amelia Christopher's first Veterans Day parade. Her parents, Adrian and Stephanie Christopher of Grapevine, met and married while serving together in the Army and were stationed in Al Kut, Iraq, in 2008 and 2009.Many of their military friends gathered for the parade and to catch up."These are our people," Stephanie Christopher said, gesturing at the crowd. "Once you go to war together, that's a bond that sticks."Adrian Christopher, who now serves in the Reserves, said he appreciates the thanks and recognition they received after returning home."Everyone appreciates what we do, regardless of their opinion on the war," he said. "Compared to vets who came home from previous wars, we were lucky."Sarah Bahari, 817-390-7056Twitter: @sarahbfw
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