City Of Broken Arrow Celebrates First Veterans Day

Broken Arrow celebrated its first Veterans Day parade on Saturday.

It was sponsored by the Elks Lodge who helped kickstart the idea for the city.

Norman Tennison, the Veterans Chairman, said he was grateful to a part of their first Veterans Day parade.

Being a veteran himself, the celebration meant a lot to Tennison.

Tennison served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He said parade wouldn’t have been possible without the city’s help.

City councilwoman Debra Wimpee said after members of Elks Lodge came to them in September with the idea to make the Veterans Day parade a yearly event, the council was quick to jump on board.

“I think this is one more way for us to give back,” Wimpee said.

The parade started at Main and College, then made its way south, ending at Veterans Park.

Everything from jeeps, floats and a marching band made some noise for those who have served.

Broken Arrow resident Maralana Reyes watched the celebration. Reyes’ dad is a veteran.

“Really grateful for the veterans,” Reyes said. “They give their lives for us.”

If you were not able to attend the parade, Tennison said the best thing you can do this Veterans Day is shake the hand of someone who served and say, “Thank you.”