Hammond’s Veterans Parade and Ceremony marked its 12th year on a crisp, fall Saturday.
The event attracted hundreds of people who lined up along the parade route in south Hammond.
“I come to this every year,” said Barbara Garcia of Hammond, who was one of the first to arrive. “We definitely need to celebrate all of our veterans and their sacrifices.”
Garcia knows of what she speaks, as her husband died from service-related injuries.
‘We, as widows, greatly appreciate Hammond for sponsoring this event, and the community for participating.”
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., a Navy veteran, made the decision a dozen years ago to bring awareness to his community regarding those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
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According to one parade visitor, that decision has benefited many families in many ways.
“I can’t tell you how happy my family is to come to this every year,” said Don Helford of Dyer. “When I grew up in the area, we had holiday parades and events, but never anything like this. My family has parents, uncles and brothers that have served, so it’s great that today we get to honor everyone in everybody’s family.”
The parade included floats from local American Legions and VFW organizations, the Bishop Noll High School Marching Band, military vehicles, and others.
An demonstration from the Lima Lima Flight Team also excited the crowd.
After the parade wound down, a short ceremony took place at Hessville Park’s Veteran Memorial.
Among the attendees was the Graylor family.
Jim and Sherry Graylor of Chicago were visiting family in Hammond. When they heard about the parade and ceremony, they were anxious to go.
“None of the places we’ve lived in has had a program like today’s for their veterans,” said Jim Graylor, as he took a seat near the stage. “This is so refreshing, many veterans are forgotten — this is a wonderful way to keep their memories alive.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.