Annual Veterans Day parade transformed by chairwoman
The Greene County Veterans Day Parade took place on Saturday, Nov. 5. The parade was sponsored by the Veterans Council of Greene County.
The community was encouraged to come out to thank veterans, past and present, who were recognized for their service and dedication to the United States Military. The parade proceeded down High Street to the Greene County Courthouse.
Michele Deems, the Veterans Day Parade chairwoman, took over the event several years ago when it was small and struggling to draw a formidable crowd. In the three years that Deems has been coordinating the event, it has done nothing but grow and impress.
”My whole mission is to honor our veterans and their families; it all comes together so nicely,” said Deems. “It’s exhilarating and to see everybody happy and together.”
Three years ago, when the parade was still trying to get on its feet, it consisted essentially of only the Honor Guard, Waynesburg High School Marching Band and a few local veteran organizations.
Despite the parade struggling at the start, each year it has grown gaining more loyal participants that have came back each year and became a part of a growing tradition in Waynesburg.
”I’m very honored to have them come back every year, and that’s the key; you know you’re doing your job and that the event is respected when everyone keeps coming back in addition to new participants,” said Deems.
Entering into this year, Deems wanted to see more marching bands participate in the parade, so invitations where sent to local high schools trying to recruit them for the event.
”The military lingo is adapt, overcome and persevere, and that’s kind of what we did,” Deems said. “[We] made some adjustments here and there [and] sent the information to the schools before the start of the school year this time.”
The work paid off because the Carmichaels band joined the parade, along with West Greene and the American Legion bands. Adding a band a year is one of Deems’ goals.
Deems has very strong passion towards veterans and people who currently serve, as she comes from a military family. She was also the first girl in the family to serve in the military.
”It’s a very high honor I carry, to be the first female in my family to serve my country and I’d like to continue the Veterans [parade] in this community,” said Deems.