Durant honors veterans with parade, VFW reception

DURANT, Okla. (KXII) - Bryan County residents gathered in Durant on Wednesday to honor military veterans and those serving now, an event the community has held since the late 1990s.

Veterans, residents and officials took part in the parade and a reception that followed.

Speakers thank those who served

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Rogers of the Oklahoma National Guard spoke at the event.

“Because America’s strength is not simply found in the freedoms we possess, it’s found in the people who are willing to sacrifice so that we could possess that freedom,” Rogers said.

Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, also spoke to the veterans.

“You took an oath to defend the Constitution,” Maynard said. “You might not have been sure exactly what sacrifices would have been demanded of you, but you made that oath anyway. And for that, again, I say thank you.”

Reception held at VFW post

After the town cheered for each group and for cars of all sizes in the parade, Bryan County VFW Post 3916 opened for a reception.

“Every veteran carries a piece of our nation’s history, and every generation has something to learn from them,” Rogers said.

Veterans share their experiences

Ezequiel Banda served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1970 to 1980. Wednesday was his first time attending the celebration.

“I don’t think I warrant all the thanks, but I take it with humility,” Banda said.

Army veteran Jim Crump said his service was extended during the Berlin Wall crisis of the 1960s. He said he came to the event to support fellow veterans.

“I want to just support the other veterans that are here, particularly the ones who’ve been in combat,” Crump said.

Rogers said gatherings like this one matter.

“That’s why gatherings like this matter, because history isn’t just something written in textbooks,” Rogers said. “Sometimes history is sitting right beside us.”

The community gathered from the parade route to the VFW to show gratitude for veterans and for those serving now.