By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The return of the Veterans Parade to Millington last year was an ideal setting.
Under crystal blue skies and comfortable temperatures, the 2014 Millington’s Veterans Parade features guest, honorees and attractions organized by the City of Millington and the North Shelby VFW Post 7175.
The success and turnout to pay tribute to area veterans across the Mid-South has inspired the 2015 Millington’s Veterans Parade to be held Nov. 14.
“We’ll have a large contingent of ROTC for color guards,” VFW Post 7175 Post Commander Charles Cox said. “We’ll have a color guard and we’ll have a float for disabled veterans to ride on. The veterans motorcycle units. Active duty Navy will have approximately 200 personnel in the parade, of course various automobiles, motorcycles and bands.”
This year’s parade will began at 10:30 a.m. And immediately following the parade, the public is invited to a community cookout hosted by VFW Post 7175 at its headquarters located at 4681 Cuba Millington Road in Millington.
“We do it through community support and donations,” Cox said. “If we don’t get that support, we’re doing it out of our own pockets. We are looking for some donations. All we’re asking for are some hotdogs, hamburger meat to feed the public.”
The members of the VFW Post 7175 will be busy most of that week with Veteran’s Day falling on a Wednesday.
“Veterans’ Day is on the 11th,” Cox said. “We do an official tribute to the American Flag Ceremony out here. On that day also, the (Millington) Chamber of Commerce is going to conduct a ribbon cutting here. The Shelby County Commission and Lee Harris from the state senate is going to be out here for breakfast. Terry Roland, the County Commissioner, is going to offer a free breakfast for veterans on that day.”
Then Saturday will be time for the parade. The parade route will travel along Navy Road from Newport Avenue to C Street. There are still some spots available in the parade if anyone wants to register.
Cox said he hopes more participants make their way into this year’s parade and the rest of the community will come out to support area veterans.
“No. 1 it shows support for the American veteran,” Cox concluded. “This is the largest Veterans of Foreign Wars post in the state. We vary between 850 to 1,000 members. We have membership that goes back to the second World War and every war thereafter. This is a way to touch history. It’s a way to tell these guys, ‘Thanks.’”
For more information on the parade or to register, call 873-5770.