Community Connections: 10th Annual Veterans Day Parade Salutes Families

By Eileen Wu

The morning of November 10, 2024, brought crisp, chilly air to the 10th Annual Veterans Day Parade in Columbia, setting a reflective tone for the day’s events. While the intermittent breeze lowered the temperature, it lifted the American flags on display, waving them proudly as the parade participants made their way through the streets. From large flags on flagpoles to smaller flags on pencils, the vibrant display was a reminder of the spirit of the day.

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, marks the signing of the agreement that ended World War I at the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” Over time, the observance expanded to honor all U.S. veterans, both living and deceased. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors fallen soldiers, Veterans Day recognizes the service and sacrifice of all veterans. This year’s parade featured a variety of local groups, including several from Howard County high schools. Long Reach High School’s marching band filled the air with spirited patriotic music, while Atholton High School’s JROTC added a commanding presence. Alongside these students, Cub Scouts, community members, and elected officials all came together to show their support for veterans.

As the parade made its way to the downtown Columbia Lakefront, participants exchanged “thank you” messages with the crowd. At 11 a.m., the ceremony began in honor of the original purpose of Veterans Day, marking the time the World War I armistice was signed. The ceremony featured an a cappella rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner,” a solemn reading of “In Flanders Fields,” and a brief history of Veterans Day by River Hill High School students. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Robert Gillette, chair of the Howard County Veterans Foundation, both delivered remarks to honor the occasion.

This year’s theme emphasized gratitude not only to veterans, but also to the families who support them through their unique challenges. In recognition of their volunteer efforts, Tracy Adkins and Kelly Kesler were named Grand Marshals. Adkins’ husband is a retired Army colonel and her son is a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy. She has served as the Fort Meade chapter director of Blue Star Families and has been a volunteer for the Armed Forces Foundation and American Red Cross. Kesler is an advocate for disabled veterans. Drawing on her family’s experience navigating the Veterans Administration benefits process to ensure her husband received full disability recognition and medical care compelled her to assist other service members. She was the recording secretary for the Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families and helped to establish programs for veterans at the University of Maryland.

In recognition of their contributions to supporting veterans, Adkins and Kesler were presented citations by the Howard County Veterans Foundation, the Howard County Delegation, and the Howard County Council.

In closing, it was announced that the Howard County Veterans Foundation had exceeded its fundraising goal, raising $3.3 million to fund a new monument for veterans at the Lakefront. Gillette expressed hope that the monument would be completed in time for next year’s Veterans Day Parade.

Eileen Wu is a student at the Bryn Mawr School and enjoys writing short stories.