Austin Veterans Day Parade | November 11, 2011

Humvees, corvettes, Junior ROTC cadets, antique airplanes, and most importantly of all, soldiers and veterans filled Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge early Friday morning on November 11, 2011. While most Americans think of 11/11/11 as the best day to make a wish, I still cling to what it has stood for since it’s beginning in 1919 when President Wilson said, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…” 

My sister queen, Miss Texas High School Jessi Amerie, and I woke up early to prepare for the parade. We planned to wear white cocktail dresses to go with the red, white and blue patriotic theme, but because of the frigid 40-degree weather, we had to fall back on jeans, a warm jacket, and boots. When we arrived at the bridge, Junior ROTC cadets were lining up in formation, historic cars were getting polished, and humvees were getting prepared for the parade.

As I walked around with Jessi to say hello to the other parade participants, I made sure to take pictures with service men and to thank them for what they had done. When the parade kicked off, it was heartwarming to see Congress Ave. full of spectators. Austinites filled the streets to honor and thank our veterans, the people who made have protected our country and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.