Tulsans Gather To Celebrate Veterans Day Parade

Tulsans are joining people from across the country in celebrating and honoring our veterans who have paid the ultimate price in defending our freedoms.

Several people braved the cold to line up downtown for the 104th annual Veterans Day Parade.

"It's about my brothers and sisters in arms. It's to make sure we never forget what they have gone through and the things that they have done for our country,” said Army veteran Ryan Destefano.

American flags waved proudly as people gathered to honor those who served and are serving our country.

"It makes me proud to do what I did in the military,” Destefano said.

He in the United States Army on active duty as a tank mechanic. His wife also served for 22 years with three deployments to Iraq.

"It means a lot to her as well because now she knows that what she did was worth it,” Destefano said.

You could hear cheering when service members and veterans marched down the street or passed by on floats. There were moments of silence and solidarity when people held photos remembering fallen heroes and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

"November 11, we call it our day. This is where we can have our brother and sisterhood together. We can enjoy each other's company; we can share our commonalities. And it's just day to celebrate the service and the support that everyone has given us throughout our service,” said VFW Post 577 Commander and Army Lt. Col. Retired Dan Fuller.

Fuller says this is the largest parade to date.     

"I think we're beyond COVID, and this is our first kind of real year where everybody's here, all the participants are here,” Fuller said.

"I appreciate the support. We all do. It means a lot to us and if you ever see any veterans on the street, just make sure you always say thank you,” Destefano said.