Butler County Veteran of the Year, Carl “Skip” Hesidenz, right, and Sgt. Maj. Sam Zurzolo, wore their Marine Corps dress uniforms to the Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 11, in downtown Butler. Holly Mead/ Special to the Butler Eagle

Holly Mead

Tiny American flags were waved by children lining Main Street in Butler for the Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 11, and it warmed the hearts of former servicemen.

For veteran Dave Smith, commandant of the Bantam Marine Corps League, the recognition from the younger generation is his favorite part of the parade.

“It’s just, we don’t get a lot of recognition...when I came back from Vietnam, no one clapped for me,” he said. “(I like) watching people appreciate what veterans have done. My concern is if we forget our veterans, we will lose them.”

Crowds gather on Main Street in Butler to watch the Veteran's Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 11. Holly Mead/ Special to the Butler Eagle

Holly Mead

Local leaders, law enforcement officials, and family members of servicemen and women all showed their support Saturday. While the Bantam Marine Corps League led the charge down Main Street, they were followed by the Disabled American Veterans organization, Shriners, Cub Scouts, first responders, and marching bands from Moniteau, Butler Area and Slippery Rock Area school districts.

The American Legion Riders from posts 778 and 243 also made an appearance on their motorcycles, some of them revving their engines in memory of a family member who served.

Jim Miller, president of the Post 778 Riders, wore a leather vest covered in patches from various escorts he’s participated in. One of the patches was from his father, John “Jack” Miller, who served in the Army in World War II.

“I wear this vest as a badge of honor,” he said. “It didn’t mean as much to me until I started riding with these guys. I can’t bring home an escort now without getting choked up. It’s a very special day to me.”

The Slippery Rock High School Marching Band takes part in the Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Nov. 11, in downtown Butler. Holly Mead/ Special to the Butler Eagle

Holly Mead

The three marching bands played patriotic songs during the walk, but observed a moment of silence at 11 a.m. to honor the signing of the Armistice ending World War I. The salute took place at Diamond Park.

Seated across from the park was Amanda Winfield, who attended the parade with her family. She shared that they were honoring their three grandfathers who served in the Korean War.

“Later in life, all our grandfathers opened up more about the war. It was very meaningful for them and meaningful for us, so we’re here to celebrate,” she said.

“It’s a very solemn, respectful feeling. I always get choked up,” said Kimberly Stephenson.

Crystal Zier also attended the parade with her husband and two children. Her oldest son, Christian, played in the Butler Senior High School Golden Tornado Marching Band.

“It’s good to support the people who’ve served our country,” she said.

Bantam Marines march along Main Street in Butler during the Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Nov. 11. Holly Mead/ Special to the Butler Eagle

Holly Mead

5 year old Lincoln Porter from Butler salutes the veterans in the Saturday, Nov. 11, parade in downtown Butler. Holly Mead/ Special to the Butler Eagle

Holly Mead

The Butler High School Marching Band takes part in the Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Nov. 11, in Butler. Holly Mead/ Special to the Butler Eagle

Holly Mead