Maj. Kathleen Parris, commander of the VI Medical Detachment, was the keynote speaker, and also held the honor of parade marshal. Sharing the honor of parade marshal, although currently in Afghanistan, was Sgt. 1st Class Laurel Maloon-Francis of St. Thomas, VI, assigned to the 512th Movement Control Team Detachment Sgt. In Bagram, Afghanistan.
Members of the community came out to spectate and honor the soldiers in the parade, most of whom were friends or family. This year the parade was different to prior years being that it took place during ongoing efforts to recover after the territory was hit by both Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, two category 5 storms.
Non-military members that participated in the parade were Central High School’s marching band along with their Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, the Educational Complex High School’s JROTC, Veterans of Foreign Wars and members of the American Legion post number 133.
Veterans Day, a national holiday that began in 1938, originated as Armistice Day on November 11, 1918, which was the first anniversary of the end of World War I. The day is meant to honor military members of every branch for serving their country.