Published: November 07, 2009 11:09 pm         

Enid thanks veterans at downtown parade

Multi-colored leaves floated through the breeze and sunshine as a parade honoring this country’s veterans moved around Enid’s downtown Square Saturday morning.

The Veterans Day observance was attended by a small crowd that was made up of people of all ages. The event began with a flyover from Vance Air Force Base planes followed by a parade of various veterans, military and other organizations.

Following the parade was a brief program at the gazebo on the Garfield County Court House lawn.

“(This event) is just our little way of saying thank you to the city of Enid and to all the veterans,” said Col. Chris Nowland, 71st Flying Training Wing commander.

Enid Mayor John Criner also spoke during the program.

“When a military person signs up, he makes out a check to the United States of America and it covers any amount up to (his) life,” said Criner.

Criner said he is glad to be in a part of the country where the military men and women stillare respected and then he said he would like to speak to the crowd, not as the mayor, but as himself.

“If you don’t like our flag, then move somewhere else where you would like the flag,” said Criner. “If you don’t like our freedom of speech, go to Russia or China and try it there ... All of you in the military are the ones that guarantee this freedom to us. I just get a little bit tired sometimes of hearing people running down our country.”

Criner then thanked Mike Hellman, Veterans Day coordinator and all the people involved in helping the event come together.

“I’m proud of the people of Enid,” said Criner.

To close the program Dr. Joe Bryant played “Taps.”

Jim Goodrich was one of the veterans attending the Veterans Day observance Saturday. Goodrich said he continues to be proud of the military members and their service.

“I’m real proud of the troops that we have today,” said Goodrich. “I think they need all the praise we can give them.”

Goodrich served in the Marine Corps from 1942 to 1946.