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First Annual Veteran's Day Parade in Poteau |
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Tuesday, 18 November 2008 |
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PDN photos by David Deaton 
The Panama High School Marching Band is $1,000 richer as they proudly marched in the Veteran's Day Parade held in Poteau. Although all of the county high school bands were invited to participate, the Panama band was the only band that braved the cold air to celebrate their patriotism. 
James Young of Spiro, Gary Cooley of Poteau and Morris Magness of Poteau along with Karen Wages of the Poteau Chamber of Commerce and Leroy Billy of KPRV braved the weather to judge and announce the 33 entries in the Veteran's Day Parade.
By David Deaton
News Reporter
The first annual Veteran's parade in Poteau had 33 entries each honoring all veterans in the area. The Panama High School Marching Band was the lone band in the area to come out and show their patriotism by performing in the parade. The band received $1,000 for their participation.
"The band looked and sounded great," said Karen Wages, Executive Director of the Poteau Chamber of Commerce.
The parade started and ended at Carl Albert State College with floats that made everyone proud to be an American.
On lookers supported the parade with banners and flags, and cheers of encouragement as each of the floats went through the processional.
Grand Marshals for the parade, were pulled in a horse and carriage and represented the American Legion, Disabled American Veteran's, Vietnam Veteran's and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Each float entered in the parade was judged on theme and presentation, equestrian horses were also judged.
Judges were: Gary Cooley of Poteau, James Young of Spiro and Morris Magness of Poteau, all veterans.
Leroy Billy of KPRV radio was on hand to announce each float as it passed by the viewing area.
Poteau Primary school students showed their respect for the veterans by participating in the parade. The Poteau Upper Elementary school stood in the cold air holding a banner and cheering as the veterans marched by. Pansy Kidd Middle School student council participated as well.
State Senator Kenneth Corn and State Representative Neil Brannon honored Corn's father and Brannon's brothers who served in the armed forces.
Other parade entries included Bible Way Family Ranch, Special Olympics of LeFlore County, Bokoshe Schools, The Oaks Healthcare, Choctaw Veterans, Tiger Truck and Murray Spur Fire Department.
Winners in the float category were: First place, Talihina VFW Women's Auxiliary Post #2300; Second place, DAV Chapter #63 of Poteau; Third place, Wilburton VFW Ladies Auxiliary #3649.
Equestrian winners were: Equi Magic, first place and Ghost Riders, second place.
After the parade the veteran's sponsored a free chicken dinner at the Bob Lee Kidd Civic Center in Poteau where the community was treated to Poteau Mayor Jeff Shockley, Senator Kenneth Corn and Representative Neil Brannon giving encouraging words to the veterans and thanking them for all they have done.
"I recently returned from China where you will find no mention of veterans and no special day sat aside for them," said Shockley.
"Veterans are so important to Oklahomans that it is mandated that schools set aside a day to honor them," said Corn.
"It truly is an honor to be in a country that honors those who have fought for freedom. That freedom has come with a price," said Brannon.
According to Clarence Marrs the Veteran's Day Parade is going to be annual event.
Parade committee members are Clarence Marrs, Robert Carter, Mike Kennerson, Don Bosley, Randy Nichols, Charley Horsley, Karen Wages and Bonnie Prigmore. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 19 November 2008 )
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