2021 Veteran's Day Parade

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. We're excited. I know, huh Jeff? I guess we're talking to a different Jeff about fixed focus. I hope so, because that's not us. We are in downtown Texarkana, Jeff, Ms. Fabian Thrash. Yes. For our 33rd Annual Veterans Day Parade hosted by Texarkana Area Veterans Council. Yes, thank you Greg Beck and all the crew and what you do. So glad to have this this year. Not just TAVC, but also our Vietnam Veterans of America, also our VFW. VFW. All of our veterans this year, we're really putting the focus on our Afghanistan veterans. Yes, thank you for your service. I know our Vietnam veterans and talking with Greg over the past few weeks, planning this parade. The big deal is to focus on these Afghanistan veterans and encourage them to look into the VFW. For all things that they could use and do, it would help them. They kind of need a brotherhood and sisterhood. I think so. That's right. Now, Ms. Fabian and I are going to have to be flying by the seat of our pants. We've never done that. We have been unable to get our paperwork together from Broad Street over here to State Line, but it's on the way. Right. But in the meantime, we're just going to try to call things. Hey, there it is. Oh, thank you. Is that our paperwork? That's our paperwork and there's flags. Thank you, ma'am. Handing out those flags. Oh, and two for us. Oh, ain't that sweet. Thank you. Thank you. There you go, Ms. Fabian. We've got our flags and they're handing out flags for the boys and girls out here, so that's awesome. That's perfect. Okay, there we go. Now, we have a lift here. Okay, good. You have one, I have one. Our Grand Marshal is the Liberty Ilo Band. That's a great honor. I know Stephanie Blackwell Nelson. I know she is proud to be a part of that. So, now we've done all of this renovation around the, uh, our, uh, Texarkana downtown, the federal post office. Yeah, and you'll see as, as the parade goes on, we'll pan across and see some of our, uh, some of the kids out here. They're passing out American flags for everybody to wave. Thank you so much to everybody that's come out to show your support and everybody that's participating in the parade. I'm going through the list here and it's looking like, yeah, we have a minimum of, uh, we've got at least 40 folks, 40 participants. And maybe more snuck in at the last minute. That's what we're hoping. That's right. Our law enforcement, look at those motorcycles. Got them back on two wheels just in time for the cold weather. Of course. Can't wrap that up. That's right. Thank you. Thank y'all very much. There's so many that are sheriff's deputies, local police officers. And here comes the ROTC from Arkansas high school. And they participate in the study. You know, almost every parade we have and, and not just parades, but, but any event honoring our, our veterans, they're always first and up front. Texas County, Arkansas High School Air Force ROTC program. I don't know how long Arkansas High School has had that program, but it seems like 30 years at least. Yes, long, long time. Now, this is unique to, for this year, but we have a bagpiper. Take a look at that. That is fantastic. I'm loving that. Makes me want to wean me up in the morning, you know. Right. I think this is wonderful. I wish I knew what part of this was. You know, the thing is, that's got to be tough. I mean, you're marching, breathing, playing, playing at the same time. I'm surprised we made it this far. Huge hit here. But that is traditional. Yeah, I do. That's a royal lot. I do love the bagpipes. And of course, right behind our bagpiper, that is Cub Scouts Pack 1003, Tom Kellum's and his kids. Wonderful. Tom Kellum. There are all kinds of folks that do it. Just like I said, they kind of, that's it. Yeah, well that was, and that's why we're, we say we're flying by the seat of our pants a little bit, but what we decided to do the other day was, you know what, if you want to come out here and honor our veterans, you come out here and be in the parade. We'll find a place for you. Absolutely. So, we may not have them lifted here, and if we do miss somebody, our apologies, sincere apologies, but we just want to, we want to make sure everybody that, that wants to get in here can. That means individuals, walking, bands, businesses, churches, civic organizations. Wonderful. The more the merrier. Love those antique cars. They had another big wind. I saw that. They had another big wind. Go hogs. Yet another big year for them. Our Pleasant Grove Hawk Band. Hawk Nation. There you go. I can't help it. We're on this metal flatbed. I don't know if tapping my foot is going through the mics or not. Hey, you'll never find two bigger children than Jeff and me. Yes, see, that was the Pleasant Grove Band. They were supposed to be 14, so we're just making this up as we go along as we can. We're doing our best. Ken Roberts' 1946 car passed us. That's what I was trying to find. All who served, honoring all who served. That's visiting angels. We appreciate visiting angels. Yes, we do. Certainly, those that are homebound and injured. If I'm not mistaken, this is our American Legion 12. I need better glasses. So do I. It's the DAV. Yes, the Disabled American Veterans. Thank you so much. Thank you. Welcome home, Afghanistan veterans. There's the DAV there. That's right. And that's another reason that we're encouraging our younger veterans to look into the VFW. It ain't just the old folks on Friday night. No, not at all. We want our younger veterans to get into the VFW and take over leadership. Because they've led out there in the past. That's right. Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 278. Thank you, guys. Somebody's actually throwing candy. Look at there. Oh, yeah. Having a good time. We will never forget. He threw us some sweet tarts. Reminding us of Zania Kramer and Kyle Stout. Thank you. Do you remember the bridge that's down on I-30? I certainly do. And look at that. Don't forget about Wagons for Veterans. That's happening in March 12th out at the Four States Fairgrounds. That's always a big, big deal. I am fascinated by that with the Dutch oven cooking and the chuck wagon cooking the way they do the old way. Fascinated with it. All of our jeeps. Look at all the jeeps. The jeep junkies. These guys go to everything. I know it goes around the court. Yeah, we've got jeep junkies. We've got the Rock Off Road jeep crew. We've got a number of jeep organizations. But all of them come out to everything. They support everybody every time. I know it. I love it. Look at that starch parade and what have you. They're always there and part of it. After all, what would America's Armed Forces be without jeeps? Yeah, this is our Rock Off Road jeep club here. Okay. And the junkies. I think they're all knitted together. Maybe. That's what I wanted to say. They have a few different things because there's so many different regional events that just one group couldn't be at all places all the time. So they share or they come out and show up and show out. And why ain't he out here? He's probably watching it on YouTube. Now KLFI TV has made the move. Wes Crenshaw, senior and junior, have taken the TV station, moved it down to the old bus station here in downtown Texarkana. This is now Texarkana's hometown television station. Absolutely. Right now we're actually streaming live on YouTube in our digital platform as we're getting everything hooked up and connected to all the time television stations in Texarkana TV 35. Look at that. I hate that I missed that. I wish I could turn my camera around. That young lady jumped out of that, run over there and hugged that man. Thank you for your service. I heard that. That was fantastic. He is wearing his coffee by the way. But look at all the junkies and off-roaders. Man, they definitely came out in sports. We appreciate them so much. There's going to be a day, right? I have no idea how many we're going to see. There you go. Yeah, and like I say, I'm pretty sure this is just the rock. I don't know. I could be wrong. I think that's just the rock off-road. Oh, look at the effect. Yeah, around the headlights. That's very cool. Yeah, that's great until this old man is driving at night. I don't see no sense in blue headlights. No, I know. They get right in my eye. I'm sorry to say thank you. Hello. I'm old. But again, we want to encourage you. If you have a veteran in your life, look into the VFW. Here's the reason being. Our World War II vet, just a handful left. We love them and Korea and everything that they did to get this whole movement started to get benefits for our veterans through the VFW. Now, back after Vietnam, there was a little misunderstanding. It's been worked out over the years. I'm glad. We're finally uplifting our Vietnam veterans. They deserve it. I'm going to tell you why we need you to look into the VFW here in just a second. First, let's take a look at our band. Arkansas High, Razorback Band. Look at that. And they sound so good. Listen to that kick. We've had every kind of American Legion post come through already. Post 58, Arkansas. American Legion post 25, Texas. They're coming in. What a killer band. These guys. LifeNet, thank you for helping us. Look back there. Do you see the guy with gray hair in the band with the trumpet? Yeah. What's he like in the 27th grade? I don't know, but he's sure filling in and enjoying it. LifeNet. Thank you so much, LifeNet. Our first responders out on the front lines like they have been LifeNet. We're happy to have them participate. And the American Red Cross. Do not forget our local chapter on 3rd Street, the American Red Cross, doing everything from bringing families together. VFW post 4562. Now, see, those are young men on that. You see them sitting there? Yeah. Oh, they're corn holing out. It ain't just the old men out at VFW no more. These are the young people. That's right. And they're Afghanistan veterans. And that's just the thing is our Vietnam veterans are passing off at 635 a day. We're going to need our Iraqi and Afghan veterans to come in and take over leadership of the VFW. So Congress, don't take away those benefits that so many veterans before them fought so hard for. And deserve very much. We certainly want to thank Red River Lumber for providing a flatbed. Yeah, they gave us a little elevated stage here. They have always come out and supported the parade. They really have. So thank you so much to Red River Lumber. Thank you. Everybody over there. Liberty Isle High School Leopard Pride Band right here under the direction of Stephanie Nelson Blackwell. We love her. I hear them march almost every day. You do, huh? Oh, okay. I live over there not too far from their school. Oh, they're loud and proud. That's your bunch. Yes, there is Paul. Paul Taylor, our president of Texarkana Radio Center. He's in Hot 107. Yep, he's in that Hot 107. I work there. Yes, hello, Shawna. She's taking care of our office. And look there, there is Dee Dee Woods, her K-Joy, driving the little truck. Now, Dee Dee's been on the radio around here almost as long as you, ain't she? Let me tell you something. When I went to Texarkana Radio, I had a big wake-up call. Hello, Deans. She the queen. She the queen. She just is, and we are proud of that. There's Don Voloshin driving the 101.7 Hot Hit Country truck right there. I like Don. Don's good people. He really, really is. In fact, Don's the only Canadian I really like. Oh, my. And then there's Dennis. He's driving the K-Joy truck. Hello there, everybody. What a letdown. Oh, now, look. Christian Care Center. With the corgis. There you go. I have two of them. Two little corgis. Is that what you have, little corgi dogs? Yes, little corgi dogs. That's about as close to a queen as I am. Christian Care Center. Look at Dee Dee. I We appreciate our Christian Care Center and everything that they do. They offer so many resources for our local vets, too. Yes, they do. And they're riding a few in the van right now. Yeah, that's good. I'm glad they could come out here. Now, I like that. What's that? A 1985 Chevy Silverado, maybe? Maybe. It's been lowered a little bit or hasn't. Anyway, hi there. That sure looks good. Yeah, I can't tell what that is, but I want one just like it. Okay, this is a Scout Troop. And this is going to be Scout Pack 19. Yay. Now, this is going to be, uh, this is our pack. Really? Yeah, K-L-F-I-T-V. And look, there he is right there. How you doing, James? That's our pack. This is Pack 19. Putting that together here under K-L-F-I-T-V. Remembering our veterans, my goodness, and they're throwing candy. I did not know this was a candy parade, but why not? Sure, sure. Hey, I was in Louisiana long enough. If you rode a tractor down the street, people would line up our CMA Motorcycle Club. Thank you, CMA. They're awesome. They do a lot of fundraisers. There are a lot of veterans in that group, and they do a lot of things to help homeless veterans, to help those that probably need a hand up even at their home, you know? Yes, ma'am. But out for everything, and do keep in mind as we're watching our CMA bikes go by here, we are getting into really deep into our toy drives. Yes. Now, of course, you know, carrying on in Dwight's memory. I miss Dwight. I miss Dwight. Now, there's your Chevrolet truck. Hey! Yeah, they put so much time, energy, and the money that they put into these vehicles. Beautiful. To redo them the way they do. Look at that. That is a gorgeous, gorgeous vehicle. Arkansas, Texarkana, Arkansas Shrine Clubs. Shriners helping children every day. A lot of they've got some vets listed on the front there. I was trying to catch it, Staff Sergeant Charles. Thank you, sir, for your service. Sorry I missed that. Look at him in uniform. That's such a blessing, such an honor. West Lawn. I love this. The kids are waving their flags. Yay! Hey, West Lawn! Hey! Go West Lawn! That's right. You hardly ever see kids throwing candy out of a school bus window. But they did. They're sharing with us. How about our Texas High Fighting Tigers Band? I love it. Under the direction of Steve there. Oh, new uniforms. Those are beautiful. Steve Bennett. I was trying to think of Steve's last name. Steve Bennett. Those are new uniforms, if I'm not mistaken. They are. I don't think I've seen those uniforms before. Hey, the black uniform seems to have really hot. Those look like they might breathe a bit. Let me tell you, when I went to Texas High, it was a military band. Yes. So we had that, you know, the whole get up. Right. Yeah, you'd sweat at the Christmas parade. But loved marching in these parades. Yeah. Look at that right there. How would you like to hook up, head across country, and take a little camping trip? Let's go. But we'd have to get them out of the seats first. That is gorgeous. They're part of the group downtown. That's right. The Antique Auto Club. Texark Antique Auto Club. I love it. Another dude. Yep. Actually, that's not a G. Don't let John Monaghan hear you say that. That's a rover. That's a rover? Yeah. John Monaghan would be very upset. Yeah, I'm sure I'll be getting comments on that. 57 Chevy? Bel Air. Hey, we had one of those. Yeah, look at these cars. My gosh. I adore them. So yeah, thank you so much to our Texark Car Club. Still to come, we got our Corvettes. We haven't even got to the... Now, there you go. Hey, anybody that could drive a vehicle today, they showed up and showed out. This is wonderful. That's right. And again, like I say, we apologize for anything that we got out of order, but we decided at the last minute that, you know what? These veterans belong... They're all of our veterans. Yes, they are. So if you want to come out here and be a part of it, we're just going to find you a spot. Well, that and showing the respect to our veterans. That's very important. That's it. But from the television side, I'd certainly like to give mention to all of you that came out. Yes. And if I missed it, I apologize. Our Corvette Club. Yeah, got to love them. Yeah, I mean, they have their own meet, they have their own car show, they have all kinds of fundraisers, and you know, makes me think of the song about private homeowners. They've evolved. Right. You know, perfect. That's right. Didn't realize that Chevy was a vet. Didn't realize. I know that song. Yep. But yes, again, thanks to our sponsors KLFI-TV for putting this together on such short notice as we're in the middle of the move. So definitely appreciate all the guys putting in the work to make sure we can show this. Red River Lumber for allowing us to have the trailer. Thank you. Thank you so much. And they've always helped so much. And TexarkanaFYI.com on our social media platforms. I like that silver just seems like the classic color to me, you know. Now, who's going to throw a mustang off in the middle of this? Just because they could. You've got big stuff, dawg. Yeah, that's just that's just a classy color to me. Hey, if you're in the middle of a pack of Corvettes, be a Mustang. Thank you for being here. We team. We do. We love cars. How much do you love the renovations and the revitalization of downtown Texarkana? I adore it. I adore it. And you know, we're part of the entertainment district to just kind of end. A little catty corner. Yeah, a little catty corner. But we are part of it. We are proud to be a part of it. There's always something going on. I told you earlier when I come out at night after football games, getting ready to go home. You can always hear a live band, you can hear people downtown. That is just so encouraging. These are our CMA New Covenant riders out of New Boston, Texas. Hello, y'all. Yeah, it is. You know, Texarkana, Arkansas, the nightlife, there's always something. Friday nights there's so much family stuff to do down here. Great shows coming down to Cross Tide. It's a new life down here. And goodness gracious, that's something people have been asking for for years. The revitalization of downtown. So they did it. Hey, one of my favorite people there. Look at that Indian. Love you, man. Hello. Hello. Look at this. You're waving flags. Hello, ma'am. Thanks, everyone, for your service. Thank you for participating in this parade. Thank you, ma'am. Awesome. And if I'm not mistaken, that's wrapping up our 2021 Texarkana Veterans Day Parade. Look there. Les Mons. Yeah. Pulling up the rear. Thank you so much to all the participants. We had folks that came and just walked. The cars, the motorcycles, the ATVs, the floats that were put together. Can't thank you enough for coming out here to show support for our veterans. And again, the message that we're hoping to share from this year is we are looking to grow the membership of the VFW. So we're looking to the younger vets for that, our Afghanistan vets, Iraq, if you were involved in Bosnia, any deployment. We want you to look into the VFW because if those benefits are taken back, Congress would never give them to another vet. That's right. So protect them with your help. We know that our World War II vets are moving on mostly. Our Vietnam veterans are passing at 635 a day. We need our younger vets to come in and take over the leadership of the VFW. Thanks again to Red River Lumber Company, Ms. Fabian Thrash, Lover of the Death, all you guys here at KLFI for doing this, and our United States veterans. We love you.