Veterans touched by the community support at the Veterans Day parade

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have served the country. The community came together for a parade to show its appreciation.

The Veterans Day parade started in 1998. Since then, thousands of people have lined up to watch hundreds of ROTC cadets, official agencies, and multiple patriotic, community-driven tributes walk the parade route.

Veterans, families, and friends come together to pay tribute to veterans who are living and to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“Veterans Day is a place to celebrate freedom… everybody should be very, very proud of military service… it just means a lot,” one veteran said.

“I feel privileged to have been in the military. It was the smartest thing I ever did… They give back to the veterans so much more than they ever have, and I get support everywhere. I am 100% a disabled veteran, and they take very good care of me,” said Navy Veteran Brian Childers.

Retired Army officer Scott Maryott said the day is both an honor and humbling for him because he served with so many people. He said the day warmed his heart as he watched families, friends, and fellow veterans come together to support one another.

“I love our parade. I’m just proud of our community for doing things like this and coming out in force to really acknowledge the service of veterans, so today I feel happy, and I also am very proud of northern Nevada,” Maryott said.

“But as a veteran myself, I also want to acknowledge all the great people in this area that give back to us. It seems like I can’t go down the street or anywhere if I’m wearing something veteran-like when somebody says, ‘Thank you for your service,’ which really means a lot to veterans,” Maryott said.

Maryott volunteers at veteran services around the area. He also teaches younger generations at the University of Nevada.

Many veterans said it is rewarding to see ROTC cadets honoring their service and to watch the next generation prepare to serve.

“I was involved in JROTC for 10 years, so I know having those cadets and getting young people involved and appreciating service is such a powerful thing. So having JROTC as part of the parade, I think, is an amazing experience,” Maryott said.

Many of the veterans said the day reminded them of why they joined and served in the military.

“We all do our little part, and it’s so great when northern Nevada, Reno, gives back to our veterans. So today I’m very proud of our community, and I’m also very, very humbled to be a veteran with other great veterans in our area.”