State Fair honors veterans with parade

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by Dara Newson

Story Created: Sep 3, 2012 at 5:44 PM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 5, 2012 at 4:06 PM CDT

Veterans helped close out the state fair in style with a parade honoring their service.

Hundreds of Legion riders, marching units and veterans walked around the State Fair grounds as fair goers stood around and applauded them for their service.

As color guards, veterans and auxiliary members march down the middle of the State Fair grounds holding their flags at half staff.

There's one thing these men want civilians to remember.

"they ought to be proud of the men who have served they should honor them, all of them will tell you that they did it for their country and for the people," said Richard Simpson, Honor Guard.

This veteran's appreciation parade is more than a display.

"When i came back from Vietnam they uh, you didn't want anybody to know that you were a veteran you were very careful about a conversation you wanted to know for sure that people were at least favorable toward the war rather than uh so much against it like many people were at that time," said Darrell Whidman, American Legion Member.

With humility hundreds of Legion riders slowly parade through the state fair grounds waving.

And proudly wearing their country's red, white and blue colors.

"Respect the flag and respect the veterans," said Gary Berry, Merit Co. Veterans Officer.

"It really makes me feel good that I served and I think the younger generation is missing out when they don't serve," said Richard Carnes, Legion Commander.

For some this day of honor reassures veterans that no matter how long ago they served, their service will always be remembered.

"People have said to me thanks for your service a number of times that never happened until after 9/11," said Whidman.

Monday, for personnel with Military identification only, gate admission at the State Fair is free all day.

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