Arlington honors Veterans Day

Community members and veterans marched down Olympic Avenue as part of this year’s Veterans Day parade in Arlington.

The parade is organized by Arlington’s American Legion Post 76 and includes participants from around the community.

“For as quick as it came together, it went really well,” said David Delancy, past commander of the American Legion Post. “I was surprised at the turnout of people."

The parade begins at 11 a.m. each year in remembrance of the roots of Armistice Day.

“On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is when World War I came to an end,” said Delancy. “So the first step should always be at 11 a.m."

Because of the pandemic this is the first parade the American Legion Post has organized in a while.

“I’m proud that this is our first parade in two years and everything came together and fell together perfectly,” said Delancy.

“I’m proud of American Legion Post 76, of the VFW, of the ROTC [at Arlington High School], the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts that showed up."

Community groups such as Arlington High School’s AFJROTC came out to support the parade.

“We are out here today for all the veterans who have honored this country,” said Evan Hall, a student with the AFJROTC. “We give up our time and day to help march in respect of them."

Hall said he has veterans in his family, such as his grandfather, and wanted to recognize their service.

AFJROTC student Isabelle Kovarik said she was glad to come out as well.

“It’s a sign of gratitude for veterans putting themselves on the line,” she said.

“I don’t have any veterans in my family but I do know people who have served for our country. It just means a lot for me to show them that I care for what they’ve done."

Parades such as these also help the group come together, said Hall.

“I like how everyone comes out here and we all have something in common. It’s something we all do as a squadron,” he said.

Delancy wanted to thank all the groups who participated.

“I only had two and a half weeks to let people know,” he said.

He realized that the city was allowing parades again when he was at the American Legion office and saw Arlington High School’s Homecoming Parade happen.

“The next day I got a phone call from the city,” said Delancy. “They said they wanted to give us the chance to do a parade."

Even with the short turnaround he was happy with how it came together.

“It feels awesome. I’ve been chomping at the bit to do this,” he said. “This city is so patriotic and that makes you feel good,” he said.