There really isn’t much to write about, most of the story is told in the pictures. Mayor Bill White was in attendance, as were most of the city council members, including mayoral candidate Annise Parker. Five area congressmen attended: Gene Green, Sheila Jackson Lee, John Culberson, Al Green and Pete Olson. Each of the congressmen gave a short speech about their gratitude for those that serve in the military. Whatever you might think about these politicians, they did a fine job of representing us today. Al Green brought tears to plenty of eyes with his touching recollection of his time at Ft. Hood yesterday at the memorial service for those men and women slain by a madman. And it was touching to hear him lead God Bless America in the key of life, the large crowd joining in, forgetting our political differences for a few precious moments.
After that, it was parade time! The parade lasted almost an hour and a half, with soldiers from WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Grenada, both Iraq wars and Afghanistan. There was also a lonely group of Veterans Against the War. Marching bands, ROTC units, dancing girls, horses, firetrucks, military equipment, you name it, it was on display.
Long gone were the memories of the days in the 80’s when no one bothered to show up. People lined the streets for blocks to thank these men and women. By most accounts, Houston Mayor Bill White is responsible for this resurgence. I don’t know if that is true or not but enough organizers told me that to make me believe it probably is. Well done, sir!