PITTSBURGH —
The streets of Downtown Pittsburgh were lined with people Saturday morning for what is one of the largest and longest running Veterans Day parades in the United States.
“We can’t forget where we are and who we are and where we came from,” said David Beaupre, a veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army Reserve.
The Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade started in 1919.
‘It’s our history’
For 92-year-old Korean War vet John Erario, the event is all about remembering the nation’s fallen heroes.
“People have to realize that how many people died and however we can honor them, this is the way to do it with parades,” Erario told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4.
The crowd proudly waved American flags as they cheered on the many service members who call western Pennsylvania home.
According to parade organizers, the fourth-largest population of veterans live in Pennsylvania.
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“It’s heartwarming. It’s, you know — it’s our history. It’s what America’s about. And if we didn’t have them, we wouldn’t be here,” Mary Beth Bolin said.
The love and support for the veterans and those still serving in the military did not go unnoticed.
“I can’t express the meaning that having all these people come out and support us,” U.S. Navy Veteran Chuck DeSabato said. “It’s just a wonderful feeling, and I hope they can understand what it means to us veterans.”
The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum is also recognizing veterans with special Veterans Day programming and its “Fill the Hill” campaign.
For every $20 donation, a flag will be placed on the Soldiers and Sailors’ front lawn.
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