Atlanta VA Medical Center Holds First Veterans Day Parade

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. (CW69 News at 10) -- Atlanta VA Medical Center staff hosted a parade to salute the veterans they serve every day on November 11, 2021. The Atlanta Braves Organization joined in with their food truck for the occasion.

Organizers drummed up all the fanfare they could for the Veterans Day Classic's Cruise for Our Heroes Parade. Several veteran service organizations other groups circled the hospital twice," said Bruce Riggins, an Army veteran. The crowd cheered on the groups marching in the parade, and the bands paid special tribute to those who have served the country. "I'm so happy to be able to participate with my trumpet and be a part of this great event," said Jerry Polk, a trumpeter with the Seed & Feed Marching Abominable. "It turned out really well, and we appreciate the Atlanta Braves coming out and all the veterans," Robert Jones, another Army veteran.

The day held special meaning for those who served in Vietnam and didn't receive a welcome home, like Air Force Nurse Corp Veteran Nancy R. Harris. "It's outstanding. It's overdue, but they're doing something," she said. Supporters enjoyed the tribute. "These are our American heroes. We are always in support of the veterans," said Shan Delaney, who works at the hospital.

Parades are nothing new for the Braves Organization, especially after winning the World Series. "Veterans Day is just kind of one of those days where we kind of get to be out and celebrate a little bit more," said Atlanta Braves Foundation Executive Director Danielle Bedasse. The foundation came with a food truck and volunteers, serving 500 meals to hospital staff and veterans. Organizers said it was all worth the effort. "A lot of passion and desire and love that we have for our veterans, and we wanted to take no limits in what we would do for them," said Center for Development and Civic Engagement Chief Anthony Cooper.

This was the first year the hospital held its own parade, and they plan to make it an annual tradition to honor veterans.