COMMENTARY: Thank you - Fairfield Parade tradition honors veterans

  • Published
  • By Ellen Hatfield
  • 349th Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Travis Air Force Base has it made, come every Veterans Day. It doesn't get any better than being in the backyard of a community like Fairfield, Calif., where the Nov. 11 parade is a long-standing tradition. They roll out the red carpet, and the thanks of a grateful city, for this base and all area veterans.

We're happy to partner with them, on this day that is so special to all who served, or still serve in the military. Fairfield never has to look far to find a Grand Marshal for the parade, seeking not a celebrity, but a person who represents duty, honor, country. Our 349th Air Mobility Wing Commander, Col. Matt Burger, was this year's choice.

Base commander, Col. Corey Martin, was the keynote speaker for the Commemorative Ceremony and patriotic concert that preceded the parade. Staff Sgt. James Everett, Jr., of the 60th Aerial Port Squadron, also spoke.

Staff Sgt. Megan May, U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, sang The National Anthem to start the parade rolling. Right on cue, as the last note faded away, a Travis KC-10 Extender flew down the route, to the delight of the crowd.

I know Col. Burger would have loved to keep the red 1968 Shelby Cobra 428, GT500 KR convertible he rode in, but he seemed happy to be there to share his day, smiling and waving to the crowds. Many people waved small American flags, and shouted "thank you for serving."  Veterans peppered the crowd all along the route, the fronts of their ball caps proclaiming their service and lineage. Tears filled my eyes as I saw frail, elderly veterans visibly stand as straight as they were able, and render a salute to our commander, and the formation of Travis Airmen. As I walked, and sometimes ran, along with the parade, shooting photos, I most enjoyed the warm handshakes from these venerable veterans, as we softly exchanged a simple "thank you."

Edmund Burke, Irish statesman, orator and author, is famously remembered for his support of the American colonies in their dispute with King George III, and for these words: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Thanks to all veterans - past, present and future - who stand the wall, for us all.