The Festus R-6 School District Veterans Day Parade grew in its second year, district spokesman Kevin Pope said.
“We had about two dozen veterans in individual cars in the parade this year,” said Pope, the district’s coordinator of communications and special projects. “We had some motorcycles organized by Gold Star Harley-Davidson, about a half-dozen motorcycles. We had a couple of Army Humvees and some active duty Army soldiers.”
Veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces were invited to participate in the Nov. 11 parade.
Pope said it was encouraging to see the increase in veterans taking part in this year’s parade.
“Last year, we went the same route, but had fewer participants,” he said.
The parade started at the parking lot between the Festus Intermediate and Festus High schools and then wended its way to West Main Street and proceeded east on Main Street to its end at Brierton Lane. Students lined the streets to wave and cheer the veterans in the parade, which lasted about 45 minutes, Pope said.
“Students in kindergarten through eighth grade lined up to see them,” Pope said. “There were people who came out all along the way.”
Pope said he believes the parade was a good way to recognize veterans.
“I think if you asked people around here, it was a great success,” he said. “I’m sure the veterans appreciated it.”
Pope said district officials plan to continue holding the parade each year.
“It looks to be an annual event,” he said.