ROCKINGHAM — As with many other events this year, the annual Veterans Day Parade has been canceled.
VFW Post 4203 Auxiliary President Robin Roberts announced the cancellation on the group’s Facebook page Tuesday morning.
“Due to COVID-19 and The City Of Rockingham not having any events Downtown the rest of the year I’m sad to announce that there will be no Veterans Day Parade this year,” the post reads. “Thank you everyone who (has) reached out and helped us plan it. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported us and our Veterans Day Parade the last 5 years. We will have a bigger parade next year.”
While Roberts is disappointed, she said she understands the city’s decision.
Roberts added that the VFW will still host the annual Veterans Day service at Veterans Memorial Park on Nov. 7.
Auxiliary Vice President Denita Cauley said while Richmond County residents may be upset about the cancellation, “… you don’t need a parade to pay tribute to veterans.”
There are lots of ways you can serve and appreciate your veterans besides a parade,” Cauley said, including driving them to doctor’s appointments, simply having lunch with them, donating to the county’s multiple veterans organizations or volunteering on various veteran-related projects.
One such project is coming up this weekend.
On Sunday, Oct. 11, the Auxiliary will be making ornaments for the Our Heroes Tree at Cole Auditorium on the campus of Richmond Community College, which went on display Sept. 24 and will remain up until Nov. 11.
The decorating will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the ballroom so participants can maintain social distancing. Templates will be provided but participants can bring their own supplies.
“Just because we can’t have a parade doesn’t mean we aren’t gonna give them the admiration they deserve,” Cauley said. “Instead of dwelling on something we can’t change, let’s put a positive spin on things and start thinking outside the box.”
