File:Veterans Day Parade 2018 from The Frederick News Post, November 12, 2018.jpg

Summary

Brunswick recognizes Veterans Day with historic parade By Wyatt Massey From The Frederick News-Post, November 12, 2018 Photo from Wyatt Massey

Hundreds of people lined the sidewalk of East Potomac Street in Brunswick on Sunday to see the city’s historic Veterans Day parade.

The 86th annual parade celebrated the work of women and men who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The parade is one of the longest-running Veterans Day traditions in the country. Tim Trainor, retired U.S. Army brigadier general and president of Mount St. Mary’s University, called on the audience to remember the sacrifices made by veterans in their communities.

“We veterans are grateful to you, and the people of our great nation, for recognizing the work and sacrifice of veterans and their families not just on Veterans Day but all year round,” Trainor said. “Today, we remember our American military members who valiantly fought for our independence.”

Veterans Day, celebrated each year on Nov. 11, was originally known as Armistice Day to mark the end of fighting during World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The day was renamed to Veterans Day in 1954. This year is the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

Brigadier General Omar Jones IV, U.S. Army chief of public affairs, said during his keynote speech that the day’s celebration of veterans inspires the next generation to serve. The Howard County native said the people of Maryland have a special place in their hearts for service members.

“I’ve never found a place like Maryland where service is such a part of the history and such a part of the culture,” Jones said. “Countless Marylanders aspire to serve something greater than themselves and to give back to our communities, our state and our nation.”

The Brunswick Elementary School choir performed two songs to close the opening ceremony.

More than 85 entries drove the parade route, throwing candy and navigating an ever-narrowing street as children moved in to fill their bags with sugary treats. The Brunswick High School band marched, as did 4-H clubs, Scout troops and local businesses. The parade also featured groups of reenactors from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts in the Middle East.

Sam Vitale and Dr. Wayne Allgaier, both veterans, served as parade marshals.

Following the parade, American Legion Post 96 in Brunswick hosted a welcome home celebration for Vietnam War veterans.