Northfield hosts annual Veteran's Day parade

By Maggie Denison
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

As the cold, crisp Vermont wind started to pick up on Northfield's Main street, emotions ran high as spectators prepared themselves for one of the state's biggest parade events of the year.

The Second Annual State of Vermont Veteran's Day Memorial Observance on Saturday, Nov 11, 2000, was held in Northfield to honor those Veterans who served their country in time of war.

The parade was kicked off at Norwich University's Plumley Armory and proceeded through the town of Northfield before making way to Shapiro Field House, where the Veteran's Day Observance was held.

A lone bagpiper led the parade, followed by six Vermont high school marching bands and units from the Vermont National Guard.

In addition, more than 1,000 Boy and Girl Scouts, a Civil War artillery reenactment, the Norwich University Corps of Cadets and veterans from the entire state of Vermont participated in the parade.

According to the committee chairman of the parade, Scoutmaster Dr. Martin Simon, 3,000 to 4,000 people participated in the parade.

Distinguished guests of the parade included: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, guest speaker; retired Gen. Ronald H. Griffith; retired and former Norwich University President Gen. Russell Todd; Maj. Gen. Rainville; Vt. Senator Jim Jeffords; and head leaders from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

"Many Americans don't know why we celebrate Veterans Day," said Vermont Congressman Bernie Sanders.

High school teacher and Scoutmaster Peter Whitaker started the parade in 1999 in response to a lack of knowledge that his students had about the brave men and women who served our country in time of need.

Whitaker wanted his students to know the history of Armistice Day and how the federal government recognized it as Veteran's Day.

The significance of the date was another area of importance, Whitaker said.

At the 1999 parade, a torch was passed from the town of Richmond, Vt., to Northfield, Vt.

Griffith spoke about the young leaders in the military, explaining that he is very confident that the young people "will do as well as their predecessors." He also recognized all the brave veterans for their actions during their time in service.

"It is nice that we recognize the vets," said Norwich President Richard W. Schneider. "I do not think Americans really understand how important it is."

In the parade, veterans were recognized from the War of 1812 to the Gulf War.

"The U.S. military has always been an important factor in our country and a force for good in our country," Griffith said.

For most Veterans, Nov.11 is a day to remember loved ones who served, as well as fallen comrades.

"Veterans Day is a day to remember the things that were made possible for us and the sacrifices they made," said Barre, Vt., resident Frank Thompson.

"The parade gives us (the veterans) the opportunity to show the rest of the United States that we are proud of what we did for our country," said Tom Keyes, a World War II Veteran from Bristol, Vt. "We did it so this country is free and shall remain free."

Back to Guidon index