Annual Danville parade honors nation’s war veterans

By John Crane

Published: November 9, 2008

Area residents lined Main Street from Rison Street to downtown near the King Memorial Bridge to see Danville’s Veterans Day Parade on Sunday.

The skies were cloudy, but the temperature — not too hot, not too cold — was perfect for the 50 veteran, school and civic organizations that participated in the annual event to honor our nation’s warriors.

Sunday’s festivities were especially poignant for a few Danville-area residents. Nell Hylton, of Danville, came to watch three of her grandchildren walk in the parade under the banner of Westover Christian School. But the festivities also have deeper significance for Hylton, who attends every year.

“It means a lot since my dad lost his life in World War II,” Hylton said, enjoying the procession from Holbrook and Main streets.

A slew of veteran organizations marched by, including members from the Virginia Army National Guard, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 19, several American Legion posts and others.

Blairs residents Giles and Betty Dockery showed up to see their grandson, Johnathan Trimble, march with the Boy Scouts. The parade carries added meaning for Giles, a Korean War veteran whose brother was killed in World War II.

“It’s special,” he said.

His wife agreed.

“It makes you feel proud to be an American, to see older veterans walking down the street so proud,” Betty said.

Giles and Betty took turns holding their granddaughter, 2-year-old Jordan Trimble, during the event. Betty said she believes the crowds at the Veterans Day Parade are growing each year.

Nov. 11 is officially observed as Veterans Day, and there will be a memorial service at the Danville-Pittsylvania County Veterans Memorial that day. The Rev. Cam McIntyre, pastor of College Park Baptist Church and a retired Air Force colonel, is the featured speaker.