George and Anita Zering lay a wreath on a monument to fallen soldiers at the East Gate Cemetery in Cadiz on Friday in observance of Veterans Day.
The parade was scheduled to culminate with a program in West Cadiz Park, though the weather forced the program indoors to the VFW.
Trigg County Judge Executive Berlin Moore said to the audience, “I’m glad to see such a large number pf people attending the parade. We moved inside because of the weather and figured we would be more comfortable in here. It warms my heart to see so many people honoring veterans.”
Moore, battled hoarseness from a bout of laryngitis, and turned the program over to VFW Post Commander Randy Brayboy.
“Time and time again veterans have answered when our country calls. Veterans face death time and time again to preserve freedom,” said Parade Grand Marshal James Rutland, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Pacific Campaign in World War Two.
The parade featured veterans on foot, in golf carts, a moving POW “Tiger Cage” display which recreated conditions Vietnam War prisoners of war were held in, the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club, two car clubs, scouts, the Trigg County High School Marching Band, and several floats and vehicles honoring veterans and their sacrifices.
Veteran George Zering observed that all members of the motorcycle club were veterans and that the multitude of Chevrolet Corvettes from the Clarksville Corvette Club were owned by veterans.
Two women given special recognition were Gold Star Mother Susan Ames, who lost her son Jason in Iraq, and Gold Star Wife Christine Bellavia, who lost her husband Sgt. Joseph P. Bellavia in the war. Mrs. Bellavia came from Clarksville to drive Mrs. Ames in the parade.
During the ceremony, an “Honor Roll” was read listing names of Kentucky servicemen who lost their lives in battle in 2006. Braboy called for a moment of silence to honor these and other soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who gave their lives in defense of the United States.
For the rest of the story, read this week's Cadiz Record.
