Roanoke Veterans Day parade begins with first-ever stealth tactical fighter plane flyover
ROANOKE, Va. (WSET) -- The Downtown Roanoke Veterans Day parade began with a first-ever flyover with a pair of stealth tactical fighter aircraft to kick off the event.
With Veterans Day right around the corner, people lined the streets in Downtown Roanoke to show their appreciation to those who have served.
Vietnam veteran, Bill Rhodes, says people aren't always so thankful.
"Other than cigarettes flipped at me and spit at, at an airport, but that's all in the past," said Rhodes.
He says all that has changed.
"But it's just good to see everybody finally giving the veterans some respect, give them some love, they need some love," said Rhodes.
Stephen Dunn, who has children in the military, says that veterans are people he is beyond grateful for.
"That's one thing that marks every veteran, is that they do that not to just make their lives better or whatever but in a sacrifice to their country," said Dunn. "And you can't help but appreciate that."
Rhode says it's important to remember all that has been fought and sacrificed for.
"I always say, if you remember one thing, freedom's not free," said Rhode. "And the guys that died at D-Day, at Vietnam and Korea. They paid the price for that."
Make sure you are thanking veterans when you see them.
Around the Lynchburg area, there will be events to honor and thank those who have served on Monday, November 11.
