Two 100-year-old World War II Army veterans will lead this year’s Veterans Day Parade in Stuart as Grand Marshals on Nov. 8.
Turner Thompson, an Ararat native and resident, and Peter Kooper, who served in the Dutch Army, will share the honor. Kooper also has ties to Patrick County through his daughter, Astrid Cole.
The Patrick County Ruritan Clubs, working with local veterans, have been organizing the parade for the second year. Woolwine Community Ruritan Club president David Belcher said they were surprised by last year’s turnout.
“We had no idea we would have as many as we did,” Belcher said. “For a first year of putting it on, we couldn’t have been more pleased. The weather was perfect, and the folks lining the streets to pay homage to our veterans was heartwarming.”
The Ruritans said they learned a lot last year about what works and what could be improved upon. They are working to spread the word more widely this year, with clubs canvassing their communities to be sure as many veterans as possible are aware of the event. Members also distributed flyers at the Patrick County Agricultural Fair, and Zone 1 Ruritan Governors Pamela and Kevin Smith have visited local American Legion and VFW posts to encourage participation.
“We just want to let all veterans know how much we appreciate what they have done for us,” said Kevin Smith. Pamela Smith agreed and said that she is happy to see the clubs working together as a whole for this county-wide event.
“Our goal is for the parade to be bigger and better than last year, and we are happy to report that we have permission to utilize the entire ‘Christmas’ parade route for the Veterans parade,” Pamela Smith said.
The expanded route “will make it easier for the parade entrants to ‘keep on trucking’ to the Hooker Building for the program, which will begin around 2 p.m.,” Pamela Smith added.
There is no fee to ride in the parade. Participation is free, and all veterans, active-duty service members, family members, and those connected to veterans are invited to ride. ATVs, side-by-sides and similar vehicles are not permitted for safety reasons. Rides will be provided for veterans who need them.
“We are encouraging all veterans, family members of our past veterans, active military members, basically anybody with any connection to a veteran can ride,” said Belcher.
Kevin Smith said he’d like to see the street along the parade route lined with parade goers who are decked out in red, white, and blue.
Lineup begins at noon near Moody Funeral Services on Wood Brothers Drive, with registration at the Stuart Fire Department parking lot. The parade begins at 1 p.m. Announcers and loudspeakers will again be stationed at the head of Main Street to announce parade entrants. The parade and program will be streamed live on Facebook.
Photos from last year’s parade are available on the “Patrick County Veterans Parade and Program” Facebook page.
Veterans Day Parade at a Glance
When:
Saturday, Nov. 8
Lineup begins at noon near Moody Funeral Services on Wood Brothers Drive
Parade starts at 1 p.m.
Program at the Hooker Building begins around 2 p.m.
Where:
Downtown Stuart, following the full Christmas parade route
Grand Marshals:
Turner Thompson, 100, U.S. Army veteran from Ararat
Peter Kooper, 100, Dutch Army veteran with local family ties
Parade Details:
Free participation
Open to all veterans, active-duty service members, family members, and those connected to veterans
Rides provided for veterans who need them
ATVs, side-by-sides and similar vehicles not permitted
Extras:
Announcers and loudspeakers on Main Street
Event livestreamed on Facebook: Patrick County Veterans Parade and Program
