Proud and honored: V-J Day parade remembers veterans

By Jessica Squires First Posted: August 13, 2012 - 12:12 am Last Updated: August 13, 2012 - 12:13 am

The streets of Seymour echoed with the sound of sirens and drums Sunday for the annual V-J Day Parade on.

Before the Seymour High School Marching Owls paraded through the streets, another sound rang through the downtown — the sound of cheers in support of veterans.

The parade showcased veterans representing all branches of the military, especially those who helped secure the victory over Germany and Japan that ended World War II on Aug. 14, 1945.

Laraine Lind, of Seymour, said she’s gone to the parade every year. She said her husband was a Korean War veteran.

“I think veterans should be remembered,” Lind said.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925 in Seymour chose three grand marshals for this year’s parade — Korean War veteran Stanley E. Furnish, Pearl Harbor survivor and U.S. Navy veteran Don Herther and the first female grand marshal, Women’s Army Corps and Indiana National Guard veteran Marj Henning.

“It made me very proud and honored,” Henning said Sunday afternoon.

Furnish said that he enjoyed every bit of the parade.

“The only thing I can say about it is that it was just wonderful,” he said.

Herther said he was happy he could

be part of an event that recognizes veterans.

“The most important thing I can say is that the good Lord took care of me and still is,” Herther said.

Although retaining its original V-J Day Parade name, the parade honors all veterans of all wars, organizers said.