Luzerne County Celebrates Veterans Day with Pride

A Special Parade to Honor Veterans

Every November, Luzerne County comes together to honor its veterans, and this year was no different. The 79th Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade was held on Sunday, and it was a proud moment for the community. Families, friends, and neighbors gathered to show their appreciation and respect for the men and women who have served our country. This parade is one of the biggest Veterans Day events in the area, and it has become a beloved tradition that people look forward to each year.

This year’s parade route stretched from Kingston to Wilkes-Barre. It was a beautiful sight as veterans, active-duty military members, and many others who have served marched together. People lined the streets to show their gratitude, waving flags and cheering for these local heroes. The parade allowed everyone to come together in a way that was both fun and meaningful, celebrating those who have defended our freedoms.

Crossing the Bridge of Honor

The parade started in Kingston and crossed the well-known Market Street Bridge, a historic and symbolic route that connects Kingston to Wilkes-Barre. As the veterans marched over the bridge, they were greeted by a sea of red, white, and blue. The crowd was filled with people of all ages, from young children to older veterans, all showing respect for those who have served. The energy was electric, with cheers and applause filling the air as the veterans crossed the bridge and continued on their route.

One of the key organizers of the parade was Lieutenant Commander Susan Allen, who served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. She has been part of the parade committee for over two decades and now serves as the chairperson. Reflecting on her time in both the Navy and on the parade committee, she said, “It’s hard to believe it’s been this long. Each year, this parade reminds me of how much our veterans have done, and I feel honored to be a part of it.” Her dedication to organizing the parade shows her deep commitment to honoring those who have served.

A Lifelong Dedication to Veterans

After her retirement from the Navy, Lieutenant Commander Allen was invited to join the parade committee, and she quickly realized it was something she cared about deeply. For her, helping with the parade is a way to continue serving, even outside the military. Each year, she looks forward to seeing the community come together to celebrate veterans, and she’s proud to be a part of such a meaningful event. “The support from the community is overwhelming,” she said. “It shows that people truly value the sacrifices our veterans have made.”

The Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade has become more than just a parade; it’s a way for veterans to connect with the community and share their experiences. For Allen, the event is a reminder of how strong and supportive Luzerne County can be. It’s not just a one-day event; it’s a tradition that has created strong bonds between veterans and the people of the community.

Remembering Those Who Served

For many people who attended, the parade was also a personal time to remember and honor loved ones who served. Helen Grebsky, a resident of Pringle, was at the parade in memory of her father, who was a World War II veteran. She stood proudly in the crowd, thinking about her father’s service and the legacy he left behind. “We have to remember those who served and didn’t make it back, or who came back changed. It’s important to show them we care, to let veterans know they are respected and valued,” she shared, her words filled with emotion.

Grebsky’s thoughts reflected the feelings of many others who attended. There was a deep sense of gratitude for veterans who are no longer with us and those who gave their lives in service. Every cheer and wave felt like a heartfelt “thank you,” showing that the community truly honors these heroes.

A Day of Community Pride

The parade was a wonderful mix of different groups, all united in their appreciation for veterans. Groups like the 109th Field Artillery Army unit, young sea cadets, and the American Legion Riders Post 781 joined the parade, each one receiving warm applause and cheers from the crowd. Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown was also there and shared his pride in the community’s turnout. “Seeing children and families waving flags shows how much our veterans mean to us,” he said. “Events like this remind us of how important it is to honor those who protect our freedoms.”

For people like Grebsky, who volunteers to help veterans, the parade is part of her ongoing commitment to supporting them. “The little bit I do as a volunteer is my way of giving back. I want every veteran to feel valued and remembered, not just on Veterans Day but all year round,” she said. Her words remind us all that showing appreciation for veterans doesn’t have to be limited to one day – it can be a part of everyday life.

Celebrating the Marine Corps' Birthday

This year’s parade also happened to fall on the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, which made the event even more special. The Marine Corps is known for its proud history and dedication to service, and the Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade was the perfect way to honor this milestone. As the parade came to an end, the cheers and applause from the crowd sent a strong message of gratitude and unity from the Wyoming Valley community.

The Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade is a lasting tradition that brings people together in honor of those who have served. For the people of Luzerne County, it’s more than just a parade – it’s a chance to celebrate, connect, and show appreciation for the heroes in their community. Each year, the parade strengthens the bonds within the community and reminds everyone of the importance of showing gratitude to those who serve.

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This information is sourced from Yahoo News