Veterans’ Parade and Presentation

    Veterans-Day-parade-in-New-York_5_1ST. LOUIS, MO – A spectacular veterans’ parade followed by a presentation of the Veteran of the Year award will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2014 beginning at 1 p.m., according to Mayor Thomas P. Schneider.
     
    This year’s parade marshal is David D. Miller, who was last year’s Veteran of the Year winner. The guest speaker this year will be the 2008 Veteran of the Year Carl Hargus.  Carl served in the United States Army for 25 years, retiring as a Sergeant Major in 1980. He completed two short terms and two extended terms in Vietnam with the Special Forces. He earned Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart Medal and the Army Commendation Medal among other numerous service medals, citations and badges.
     
    Veteran of the Year award goes to Joe D. Quick.  His dedicated service to our nation in the US Army during the Korean War and his continuing service to veterans and to the community in the following years were contributing factors in his section. As a teenager he enlisted in the Army in December 1948 and after basic training he served on occupation duty on Okinawa until June 1950.  After a tour in Korea he served three years in the Army Reserve. He has been an active member of VFW Florissant Valley Memorial Post 4105 since 1971, where he has served three terms as the commander. In addition he is a charter member of the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 4.
     
    The 2.5-mile parade begins at the corner St. Charles and St. Francois, goes east on St. Francois, one block south on New Florissant to East on St. Catherine, north on Waterford Drive, and ending at the James J. Eagan Center. Following the parade there will be a presentation of the Veteran of the Year award.  Also refreshments will be served inside the Eagan Center for parade participants. The Mayor said it will be an outstanding parade with over 70 units participating, including military vehicles, drum corps, marching bands, elected officials and many others paying tribute to our veterans.
     
    This event was first brought here at the suggestion of Mr. Norman Sirna, a member of the Veterans’ Commission. Mayor Schneider and the City Council invite everyone to bring their children/grandchildren to this event and salute the men and women who have and continue to serve this great country in Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.