Fort Worth, Texas – Hundreds of people gathered in Fort Worth to celebrate and honor veterans.
The 2023 Tarrant County Veterans Day Parade began at the Panther Island Pavilion near downtown Fort Worth.
This year’s theme is “Salute to the TCU Warriors.”
Retired Army Col. Joseph Campbell served as the parade marshal.
Col. Campbell was active in the TCU Army ROTC program and was inducted into TCU’s Military Science Hall of Fame.
Saturday was all about patriotism and thanking veterans.
This Veterans Day, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker joined others to help kick off the Tarrant County Veterans Day Parade.
Soldier musicians marched down North Forest Park Boulevard along the Clear Fork of the Trinity River.
Veteran Richard Walker served from 1964 to 1968 and is on active duty in the Marine Corps Reserve.
“First of all, it’s a great day to see all the young players who are our future. It’s great to see all the veterans together,” Walker said.
Walker said he appreciates the support for veterans.
“I’m glad everyone is participating. This is what we need in the times,” he added.
For some, joining a military branch is a childhood dream.
“I’ve wanted to do this since I was little. [join the Army]. I’ve wanted to do this since I was little, so I had the opportunity to come to America. That’s when I joined,” said Moise Ndizhiwe, who serves in the army.
Alex Hernandez’s granddaughter is in ROTC and participated in the parade.
“I’m very proud,” Hernandez said. “This is her first year, so I wish her all the best. She wants to be a mechanic. She’s thinking about joining the military.”
Musicians from the 1st Cavalry Division Mounted Detachment also proudly walked in the parade, along with high school bands, bikers, Junior ROTC, and veterans groups.
People who lined up to watch and cheer on the parade greeted parade participants, waving American flags and chanting “Happy Veterans Day.”
“There are a lot of veterans in my family,” Hernandez said. “Some people have already passed, and some are still attending.”
Those who attended this year honored veterans and showed support for the next generation.
“This is our new generation here. Hold your hearts high everyone! Never look down. Stay strong,” Hernandez added.