Tulsans Show Their Support During 102nd Annual Veteran's Day Parade

Even though attendance was down some this year, hundreds of people were in downtown Tulsa Wednesday for the annual Veterans Day Parade.

"I love my country and I appreciate everyone here so I've come to show my respect,” said Bobby Younger Jr. Tulsans of all ages were out at the parade showing their support. "Our veterans the ones that made it free for America and I wanted to just be here to see them and honor them. This is their day,” said Edward Johnson.

The Veterans Day Parade takes about a year worth of planning. Organizers said instead of canceling the parade due to COVID-19, they decided to instead, make some changes, because they know how important it is to show support to veterans especially now.

"During pandemic and isolation it really can work on a veteran's mind when we're not around each other and we don't have that peer to peer, counseling, and those groups and those meetings and our organizations,” said Joshua Starks.

Joshua Starks is the Vice Commander for the Tulsa VFW. He said during the pandemic, the suicide rate for veterans is up 20% which is why showing love and appreciation for veterans is so important. "This provides us that opportunity to come together to remember the good ole days to honor those that we lost and celebrate our service,” said Starks.

He said the parade is meaningful to those who participate and it’s a tradition they hope to continue for generations to come. "I try to tell every one of them thank you. That's the most I can do so I can tell them thank you, look them in the eye, and say I appreciate your service,” said Younger.