Hundreds gathered to support our local veterans in a parade put on by Justin Verlander’s Wins For Warriors Foundation and Fifth Third Bank
Vets, members of ROTC, several marching bands, and various organizations paraded down Jefferson in downtown Detroit to honor those who have bravely served our country.
“Oh it is absolutely one hundred percent important,” said supporter Lisa Marrow. ‘It’s close to my heart as you can see I have my Marine Corps pin on and I support all of the troops, in any branch of the service. We just really have to pay tribute to them for providing this country for us and the freedoms that we have. Sometimes we forget that.”
The event was organized by Metro Detroit Veterans Coalition.
Marrow and her sister Leslie Marrow are flying their United States Marine Corps flag high to support and honor vets like their dad.
“My dad sacrificed a lot When he was in Vietnam, he took time away from his family for our freedom so today we are here to support them and to show our pride and show our support,” said Leslie Marrow.
While there were many representing various wars, some figures from the Civil War made their presence known too.
President Lincoln and a soldier named Washington, a black union soldier portrayed by George Heard were popular in the crowd of spectators.
Heard describes was important for him to attend the parade.
“To show the public and to show the youth that we have fought an every war their was and we will fight in every war their will be… the black man,” said Heard. “That’s why I am here today…because when we go to the school and what not, the kids have no idea about us.”
The parade has been going on for 11 years and it never get old for many who have fought for our freedom, like Vietnam vet Earl Deshazor, who served in the Air Force.
“I love the veterans parade because we are veterans. We deserve something,” said Deshazor. “I love it. I love Detroit. Detroit supports their people, they support their vets.”
