By Bill Zeeble, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-934584.mp3
Dallas, TX – On Veterans Day, officials praised our military, and urged everyone to remember their sacrifice. In Dallas, many lined the parade route and gathered outside city hall for the celebration. KERA's Bill Zeeble reports.
This national holiday was born on the 11th hour of the 11th month of the 11th day in 1918 to honor military veterans, upon the end of World War One. At 11 in the morning, speakers and bystanders outside Dallas city hall showed reverence and also celebrated. To Vietnam War veteran Warren Decker, that was more than appropriate.
Decker: Most important day of the year, because I'm proud of America and proud of all the things service men have done for us.
For another Vietnam War Vet, Tom Guinn, with the First Air Cavalry, this kind of celebration was absent when he came home 40 years ago.
Tom Guinn: I went to war by myself and came home by myself.
Guinn says contentious times of Viet Nam faded and now all veterans are praised.
Tom Guinn: The nation was likely torn apart more than it had been since the civil war it's a refreshing support.
Many elected officials, including Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, thanked the veterans.
Leppert: We'll welcome them home, we will help them find jobs. We will give their families love and support. And if they're injured we will help them heal. 344 We must embrace our veterans and their families and never never forget what they've done.
The Dallas parade featured every branch of the military, included aerial fly overs, a 21- gun salute, an oath for new enlistees, and a time to remember.