Bennington’s Veterans Day parade brings families out to honor those who served
BENNINGTON — Before the music and marching for the Bennington Veterans Day Parade reached Main Street, participants gathered on Scott Street to organize.
At 10:30 a.m., members of the Veterans Day parade gathered under a bright blue sky with the Mount Anthony Union High School marching band set to lead the way.
New band director, Dr. Gerry Lanoue, was busily tuning up and making sure the rows and columns were looking sharp.
This is my first parade in 30 years,” he said. “The kids are really excited; they look good.”
“We're playing the 'Patriotic Parade Sequence' and 'America the Beautiful,' arranged by former MAU band director, Marj Rooen.”
Retired Army veteran of 30 years and American Legion Post 13 member, Ralph Becker, was on his Harley as a member of the American Legion Riders. For Becker, riding in the parade was a sign of respect.
“I’m showing respect to the existing veterans and the soldiers that are serving this country now. I want to remind people that Veterans Day is just not any other holiday,” he said.
Chase Sullivan appreciated the chance, as Assistant Patrol Leader, to lead his troupe of Scouts while the patrol leader was busy playing in the band.
“This is a great opportunity to learn responsibility and how to lead people in troop,” he said. “We're here to respect all the people who fought for us and to show them we care about them and that we're here for them.”
From Scott Street, the parade moved down Safford Street, led by the Mount Anthony Marching Band. It turned right onto Main Street and progressed to the Four Corners before turning right onto North Street.
At VFW Post 1332, the procession paused for a three-volley salute, before continuing along North Street to its conclusion at the Vermont Veterans Home.
The salute connected the public celebration to a more solemn tradition. Its origins are commonly traced to battlefield pauses, when three shots signaled that the dead had been gathered and fighting could resume. Today, the three volleys are a ceremonial tribute of respect, largely symbolizing 'duty, honor, and country.' A brief speaker at the VFW reminded those assembled that freedom comes with a cost.
Along the route, members of the community had settled in chairs, lined the curbs, and stood waiting to support their veterans. For many watching along the route, the reason to come was direct and personal.
Taylor Wilkinson said she came to support veterans in the community and “just show that we care.” She watched with her young son, Jackson.
For others, there was a personal connection.
Judy Estees, a retired teacher, came out to enjoy the weather, the parade, and to honor service members.
“My dad was in the Navy during the Korean War, so I always think of him and my other relatives on this day,” she said.
Jim White of Shaftsbury came to support his grandson who is serving in the Army’s Third Infantry Brigade, and currently traveling between California and Georgia. White said he was proud to attend, and wished more people had come out.
The day also offered a chance for younger attendees to connect with the meaning of the holiday, rather than simply viewing it as a “day off.”
Fletcher Burnham, a fourth grader at Taconic Elementary, explained that Veterans Day was once known as Armistice Day. His family came to support veterans, while Fletcher’s sister Charlotte put it simply, “I’m here to support the veterans and celebrate them.”
Monique Martell traveled from Adams, Massachusetts, with her five-year-old daughter, Ella. With school out, they came to explore and learn. Martell said that the two like Bennington because it feels “more homey,” with more to do and more open space. Together, they watched with great excitement as the marching band moved past, followed by a bikers group, twirlers, youngsters doing cartwheels down the street, and then the fire trucks.
For Janel Burke, the parade held two family connections – her son Ben was playing percussion with the high school band, and her husband is on active duty with the Vermont Army National Guard.
“Just Veterans Day,” Burke said, was reason enough to come out and show support.
Together, the interviews of those present reflected the many ways that Veterans Day brought people to the route – to cheer on a participant of the parade, to stand with a family member in uniform, to teach children about service, or simply to show veterans that their community remembers them and wishes to honor their service.