Las Vegans unite on Veterans Day

Daniela Mohor

Monday, Nov. 12, 2001 | 9:35 a.m.

Paulette Berge and her husband hadn't celebrated Veterans Day in years.

But this year was different. Exactly two months after terrorist attacks hit New York, Washington, D.C., and a Pennsylvania field, the Berges found themselves on a downtown sidewalk, watching the annual Veterans Day Parade in Las Vegas.

"It's been a while since last time we came," said Berge, who wore a visor with an American flag design. "Today we made it a point to come because of everything that is going on."

Berge and her husband were not alone in their decision.

Sunday more Las Vegans than ever watched and participated in the traditional Veterans Day Parade, reflecting the new sense of patriotism and unity that has prevailed since the Sept. 11 attacks.

Nearly 200 individuals and organizations participated in the parade, and an estimated 20,000 people cheered them, according to David Craig, chairman of the Veterans Day Parade Committee, which sponsored the event.

Those who traditionally attend the mid-November celebration noted the difference.

"It's much bigger this year," said Paul Hensley, a 77-year-old World War II veteran. "It's much more vocal, more spontaneous. People are not afraid to stand up and let (the veterans) know what they're thinking, and that's good."

The sidewalks of Fourth Street between Charleston Boulevard and Fremont Street were crowded with cheerful Americans of all ages and ethnicities.

They applauded, waved small flags and cheered as men, women, and children in all kinds of uniforms passed by.

Some participants quietly marched on the command of their troop leaders. Others rode on horses, trucks or tanks.

The parade also featured two F-15 planes from Nellis Air Force Base flying overhead and many classic cars carrying dignitaries.

Among them were Mayor Oscar Goodman and Gov. Kenny Guinn, who called on the audience to support the American soldiers fighting the war against terrorism.

Las Vegas Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald distinguished herself with a performance of "God Bless the U.S.A."

But for some people in the public, attending the parade was more than an act of patriotism, it was a teaching moment.

Becky Day took her daughter and stepdaughter to the parade for just that reason.

"Young people have a lot of questions with everything that they're reading and seeing on TV," she said. "This is a good place to start with some history lesson about how the country came to be the free country that we have."