Haleyville’s 20th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Program, Sat., 11/3/07, 1030 a.m. “ HONORING AMERICAN VETERANS – Especially Vietnam Viets”

 
            “Honoring our Vietnam Veterans” is the theme for Haleyville’s 20th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Program scheduled for Saturday, November 3, at 10:30 a.m.  Dwight Thomas, Winston County Veterans Affairs Officer and Parade Organizer, announces that this year’s parade will especially honor the Vietnam Vets.  They will be the Grand Marshals of our Parade, and we ask family members to accompany them with cars, trucks, banners, etc., honoring them.  All veterans, church and civic clubs and family of Haleyville’s Veterans are asked to have a vehicle in the parade to honor all veterans, but especially our Vietnam Veterans.

Parade line-up will begin at 9:30 a.m. behind City Hall.  The Parade route will be around the downtown area.  Immediately following the parade, the program will assemble in the Haleyville Fire Station out of the wind and weather.  Mike Muncher, Band Director, Haleyville High School Band, will present a patriotic tribute of welcome.  Dwight Thomas will recognize the Vietnam Vets, all Veterans, Guests and families.  The invocation of God’s Blessing will be led by the minister of  Corinth Heights Baptist Church.  Boy Scout Troop 97, sponsored by VFW Post 4543, Barry Walker, Scout Master, will lead the pledge of allegiance, and Diane Miller will sing our National 

Anthem.

            The winner of the essay contest will present his award winning essay and be presented an award of  $50 Savings Bond.  A musical selection of the period will follow.

Remarks will be made by Brigadier General Troy Oliver.  Wiley Dean will honor our Vietnam Vets with a musical presentation.  The minister of Grace Baptist Church will offer the Benediction.  The Laying of the Wreath at the Memorial will be followed by a 21-gun salute by the Alabama State Defense Force and “Taps.”  Larry West and Ernest Marshall Burrell, Haleyville natives, lost their lives during the Vietnam Conflict and their names are on the memorial.  The audience will then release 100 camouflage balloons in honor of our Vietnam Vets.

Public participation is especially urged as we honor our Vietnam Vets.  They came home without honor; it’s long overdue.   The city of Haleyville will host an open house of coffee and doughnuts prior to and after the parade in the lobby of City Hall.

            The names of Vietnam Vets we have are Larry H. Anderson, James W. Beck, Harold Bearden, Jerry W. Burleson, Terry W. Cagle, Tommie R. Cox, Butch Daniel, Sidney Davis, Don Diamond, Jack Gilliland, James Q. Haynes, Graham S. Kelly, James D. Lawler, Bennis R. Mann, Sam Masdon, Elick E. Newell, Tommy Poe, Larry O. Scogins, John Simmons, Ken Sunseri, Dwight Thomas, Ken Williams, Stephen Knight and Charles Ward.  We do not want to overlook anyone, so please contact Vicky Dean at 486-2112, if you or your family member served in Vietnam.  We’d like to have a picture of each one.  We’ll scan the picture and get it back to you.