Editor’s Note: Recently, the MeridianTeaParty.com received an invitation to participate in the November 11th, 2010 Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Meridian, MS and we jumped at the chance to show our appreciation for our Active, Retired and Disabled Veterans. It was an opportunity for us to say “Thank You!” in a very small way for all they have done to protect and defend our Freedom. I’d like to take a moment to thank Eileen Jefcoat for all she did to organize our parade effort as well as all the volunteers who assisted Eileen and those who took time out to come and march with us. Eileen works very hard for MeridianTeaParty.com so be sure and give her a pat on the back the next time you see her! Alex Rooney is one of the youth who came and marched with us and I asked him to write up his impressions of the parade so we could share them along with the photos of the event. Read his thoughts and enjoy the pics.
A 13 Year-Old’s Perspective on the Veteran’s Day Parade
By: Alex Rooney
What a beautiful day for a parade. As I arrived to participate in the Veterans Day parade, I saw marching bands practicing, cars revving their engines, floats being decorated, and JROTC flight sergeants calling out to their squadrons to get in formation. There was a rush to line up as there were 50 groups that needed to be in place. I joined the Meridian Tea Party group and was asked to carry the American flag. What an honor to carry the symbol of freedom!!! As we began to march, the air was full of excitement. I heard lots of shouting, hoorays, and applause from the crowd as we walked by. It was like being at an Ole Miss Football game.
I never realized how much the people of Meridian loved and honored our veterans. As I looked left and then right, I saw spectators of all economic and social backgrounds, who were there for one purpose–to honor our veterans. I was overcome by an attitude of gratitude when I saw the various veterans in the crowd and was reminded of the famous poem by Father Dennis Edward O-Brien, USMC, that declares:
It’s the Soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us the freedom of the press.
It’s the Soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us the freedom of speech.
It’s the Soldier, not the politicians,
Who ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
It’s the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag.
While passing by military members in uniform, I thought how proud and confident they looked. I was reminded of my Civil Air Patrol Squadron and how proud we are to wear the United States Air Force uniform. As our group marched by a veteran standing by the flag draped coffin, representing fallen soldiers; I saluted him. He reminded me that there are only two who have ever offered to die for me: Jesus Christ and the American soldier.
The salute is an act of respectful greeting like bowing or lifting the hat. But when you salute a veteran, you are acknowledging that they have accomplished their duty and they have proven themselves worthy to be called a leader and a hero!!!!! I salute everyone who has been and is still in the military. As I continued to carry the symbol of freedom, I looked into the eyes of all the veterans. I could see their stories their pride, and their achievements, I saw heroes.
You may be thinking: “Why would a 13 year old boy march with the tea party?”
After all, many in the tea party are a good deal older than me. Well, the tea party makes me feel I am a part of something larger than myself. We can accomplish good things for now and the future by getting people to pay attention to what our government is doing to us. I don’t like the direction our country is going in as far as runaway government spending. But, mostly we cannot have a government of the people and for the people, if elected officials won’t listen and if the people don’t pay attention. I have been part of the tea party for a year now and have attended and helped with their many rallies and meetings.
It was exciting to see the results of our activities bear fruit at the polls. I was told that the voter turnout for the November 2nd election was greater than normal for a mid-term election.
Participating in government, voting at every opportunity and thanking veterans for keeping those rights safe for us: Now that is part of being something larger than yourself.
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MeridianTeaParty played a BIG part in the 2010 Veterans Day Parade
in Meridian MS on Thursday, November 11, 2010! The parade was enormously successful. Our city turned out “big time!” Citizens
of Meridian were proud of our America. What an awesome sight!!!
Do you think we all could spare a shopping day and show up at the State Capital to remind them of what the VOTE was for ,When I here the likes of Harry R or any on that side and a good many Republicans, guess they had the mufflers on too. if they pass this bill I guess the old saying there is NO JUSTICE , JUST US, PA, is true!
marci