Loose Leaf Notes

-The following first appeared in The Floyd Press on November 18, 2021.

Floyd’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7854 and American Legion Post #127 led the annual Veterans Day Parade down Locust Street and Main Street on Sunday.

The Floyd County Woman’s Club provided drinks and refreshments for the marching vets from a patriotic themed canteen stationed at the Maberry Funeral home, where the parade began.

“If I make it to February 5, I’ll be 103,” said WWII veteran Orland Phillips, who noted that WWII vets are “getting kind of scarce.”

Phillips, who was stationed in the Pacific during the war said he was one of four brothers who fought, and that one of his brothers did not make it back.

Phillips, who reported that he was doing well but that his legs had given out, rode his wheelchair down the parade route.

Another parade participant and WWII vet, John Wright, rode in a vintage car, which was driven by Vietnam vet Terry Conner and bore the sign VFW 7854.

Under sunny skies, spectators smiled, waved and cheered as the vets passed.

Along with veterans, the parade procession included, antique cars, tractors, motorcycles and fire engines.

Miss Floyd County waved from the back of a vintage red convertible.

The Floyd County High School band and color guard gave an upbeat performance as they marched.

About half-a-dozen Kazim Hillbilly Kusins, who bring laughter and attention to Shiners Children Hospitals, added humor to the parade in their junk vehicles.

A military themed hybrid vehicle, conceived and designed by Kenneth Nethken of Staunton after 9/11, drew looks from spectators.

___________Colleen Redman