WARSAW, N.C. --
Hundreds packed the sidewalks of downtown Warsaw, North
Carolina for the 97th time since 1921 during the Warsaw Veteran’s Day Parade to
celebrate and recognize America’s veterans and service members on Nov. 4, 2017.
Marines
with 1st Battalion, 10 Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division and Combat Logistics
Battalion 8 marched in the parade to reaffirm our commitment to our nation’s
veterans.
“It was an
honor for the Marines of CLB-8 to be selected to march in the Warsaw Veterans
Day Parade in front of countless supporters,” said 2nd Lt. Hunton Carroll, a combat
engineer platoon commander with CLB-8. “The
people of the town and the surrounding area lined the streets of the town and
cheered us on as we marched through the streets.”
The parade
kicked off with a color guard of Marines with Headquarters and Support
Battalion, Marine Corps Installations – East leading the way as the rest of the
parade followed them down the route.
“It was a
very humbling experiencing,” said Carroll. “The purpose for having Marines
march in this parade was to show respect for the veterans who have served in
our nations armed forces and to honor the town's tradition of having an annual
parade.”
The parade
was recognized as the official North Carolina Veterans Day Parade in 2016 and
is held on the first Saturday of November every year. This was the first parade
some of these Marines have had the opportunity to march in.
“I have personally never done something like this before
and it is definitely something I would look forward to doing again,” said
Carroll. “I know all of the Marines who participated in the parade feel the
same way as well.”
The Marines
smiled and waved at onlookers as they marched down the parade route, shaking
hands with attendees as they were thanked for their service and returning the
gesture by thanking them for their support.
“I think it is important for
people to understand the necessity for Marines to be able to go out to events
like this and interact with civilians,” said Carroll. “It reminds the Marines
that they have the support from the public and that they appreciate the
sacrifices we make as Marines in service to this country.”