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WARSAW — Thousands of people lined the streets of Warsaw last Saturday, joining the country’s longest-running consecutive Veterans Day observance and the state’s official Veterans Day parade.
The parade kicked off with the North Carolina Forest Service flyover as excited crowds cheered on and watched in awe as members of the 82nd Airborne Division parachute team jumped off aircraft during the presentation of the U.S. Flag.
From marching bands, JROTC units, Sudan Cruisers, Shrine Clubs, and fire trucks to churches, car clubs, and homecoming queens and kings. More than 120 groups participated in the 104th Veterans Day Celebration and Parade with a festive display honoring our nation’s heroes.
Crowds enjoyed live music, area vendors, bouncy houses, food trucks, and activities for the whole family.
Retired Army Sgt. Maj. William Watson told Duplin Journal that he appreciated being selected as Grand Marshal and the way people respect the military for its service. This recognition honors not only my time and age but also acknowledges all those who have served their country from day one, “and the sacrifices that they made for their country and the blood they shed in foreign countries for their country,” said Watson.
Watson, a native of Wallace, served in the military for 29 years. He retired from the President’s Honor Guard at Fort Myer, Virginia, where he served as the command sergeant major. Watson served in multiple tours and was deployed twice to Vietnam. His son and grandson also chose to join the military, following in his footsteps. Watson expressed great pride in their decision to serve their country.
Watson told Duplin Journal that he was inspired by seeing young men return to Wallace in military uniforms, proud to serve their country. He explained that the military positively impacted his life, providing him with direction and keeping him away from street gangs.
“The military saved my life because I had nowhere to go,” said Watson. “It gave me something to look up to.”
“Growing up in Wallace, I never thought a young black kid would be the command sergeant major of the President’s Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. That was a great honor for me,” said Watson.
To view more photos of the event visit our Facebook page photo gallery.
