DALLAS VETERANS DAY PARADE HONORED WORLD WAR II VETERANS

The Greater Dallas Veterans Foundation hosted the 2015 Dallas Veterans Day Parade to honor all veterans and commemorate the 70^th anniversary of the end of World War II. Opening ceremonies featured key note speaker U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions and the welcome address by Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings began at DallasCity Hall. The parade started at the Reunion Arena immediately following the morning events.

“We are honored to have veterans and distinguished guests join us in Dallas to pay tribute to America’s heroes, especially those that served in World War II,” said LTC King Moss II, US Amy (Ret), 2015 Dallas Veterans Day Parade Chairman. “It’s with great respect that we recognize them and remember the service men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. This generation saved the world and went on to build our great country.”

As a commemoration of the 70^th anniversary of the end of World War II, this year’s parade Grand Marshals are all World War II veterans. They included:

• Captain Jerry Yellin, of the U.S. Army Air Corps, flew the final combat mission of World War II.
• First Lieutenant Morris Paulk served in the European theater with the U.S. Army Air Corps.
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles Alford served in the European theater with the U.S. Army.
• Sergeant Romus “RV” Burgin, Purple Heart recipient for his service with the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific theater.
• Petty Officer First Class James Henderson served in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters with the U.S. Navy.
• Lieutenant Barbara Park retired from teaching fourth grade after the bombing at Pearl Harbor in order to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Master Sergeant William Nealy served in the Pacific theater with the U.S. Army.

Before the parade began, opening ceremonies were held at DallasCity Hall.  \

About the Greater Dallas Veterans Day Parade Committee

The Dallas Veterans Day Parade Committee, a subsidiary of the Greater Dallas Veterans Foundation, was founded in 1998 at the request of City of Dallas leaders, veterans’ organizations, civic leaders, and members of the active, reserve and retired military components. Its purpose is to plan, produce and carry out a grand ceremonial event and parade each year on November 11 for the greater Dallas community to honor our veterans. Its guiding principle is “Saluting those who are serving, those who have served and those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.” For more information, please visit www.vetsdayindallas.org