Veterans Celebrated during Veterans Day Parade

“It is important to honor the millions of Veterans who served our country,” said Danielle Hester, co-planner for the parade. 

The parade was held at the front steps of the historic Alvin C. York VA Medical Center bringing together a variety of Veteran and community organizations. This included local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and even Veterans on horseback from the Center for Equine Recovery for Veterans.

The parade festivities began with a musical performance from Musicians on Call, an organization that provides live and recorded music to the bedsides of Veterans, families, and caregivers in health care settings. Following their performance, local Murfreesboro student Taveon Hill sang a rendition of the National Anthem proceeded by the Pledge of Allegiance, and opening remarks from Dr. Bridget Brozyna, TVHS Interim Deputy Executive Director. 

“I believe Veterans Day is a time to honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of those who have served,” she stated. “I feel privileged to work at the Department of Veterans Affairs and to continue serving those who have served.” 

Brozyna, who served for more than 30 years in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, emphasized the importance of supporting Veterans during and after their service. 

“I have seen first-hand the sacrifices made by my fellow Veterans and their families and the importance of continuing to care for them,” she said.

After Brozyna’s remarks, Chaplain James Ward led the event with an invocation, and then Will Cosby, the parade emcee, started the procession. He introduced this year’s parade grand marshals: David Elam, Joy Edghill, and Luther Jernigan. These Veterans were recognized for their service, and each received a signed certificate from Brozyna. The procession passed in front of building one and followed the roads around the campus, offering front-row seats to parade goers. 

For Veteran inpatients and residents receiving care at the York Community Living Center, they were treated to a private performance from Houston-based gospel artist Afton Tuftson as a way to celebrate their service.

“I want to thank all the participants and volunteers who made this one of the largest TVHS Veterans Day Parades yet,” Hester said. 

 Although Veterans Day is an annual observance, at TVHS, Veterans Day is every day.

 Check out TVHS Facebook to watch the live recording of the TVHS Veterans Day Parade.