Veteran events to skip parade

Some decry city’s decision, partly based on finances

Houston officials decided to delete the traditional parade from this year’s Veteran’s Day celebrations, an upsetting omission to some of the very people meant to be honored.

The city’s Office of Veterans Affairs and Office of Special Events decided months ago to skip the parade because this year’s holiday falls on a Saturday, which typically results in poor parade attendance, city officials said.

“Considering the resources that are spent on a parade like that, the city decided” to focus on “tangible ways to honor and assist” local veterans, including a job fair and other military displays, said Alan Bernstein, a spokesman for Mayor Sylvester Turner’s office, said Friday.

A run to honor 9/11 heroes will be the focal point of the city’s festivities — with all proceeds going to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. That event was initially scheduled for Sept. 9, but was canceled because of the hurricane.

The omission of the parade was met with mixed reactions by local veterans and advocates. Some said they understood the decision, especially in light of the chaotic few months the city has had.

“I see this as an opportunity not only to have veterans down here, but regular community members,” said Kelly Land, executive director of Combined Arms. “What we want to see in our community is a greater understanding of veterans, and so the more folks we can really draw out on Veterans Day … the better.”

“On the other hand,” he said, “I do understand that there are

“What we want to see in our community is a greater understanding of veterans.” Kelly Land, executive director of Combined Arms

people who really hold tight to their traditions, and in the military, we’re very tradition-heavy.”

Others have said the parade would have offered even more people the chance to see their loved ones march.

“It’s really disheartening,” said Catherine Alexander, with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8790. “This is a perfect opportunity for more people to participate. It doesn’t make any sense.“

At Post 8790’s headquarters Friday, veterans of wars spanning 70 years said they were disappointed by the decision, especially directly following the massive celebration held for the Astros.

In the building’s banquet room, Bob Cook ate cake and sipped a beer, readying for the 74th Veterans Day he’s celebrated since coming home from World War II. He, like some, said his plans for Saturday hadn’t been changed.

Rather, he said, he was thinking about younger veterans who might be looking forward to one of their first parades.

Many such veterans agreed.

“It don’t feel too good,” said Eddie Oliver, a U.S. marine who served multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. “We’ve got disabled vets everywhere that are always expecting and looking forward to this.”

Raul Raules, who deployed to Iraq with the Army, shared the disappointment. “This is really important for the veteran community,” he said.