Published: November 09, 2008 07:48 pm      

Pride to parade through Welch for 89th time

WELCH — A proud and timeworn tradition continues Tuesday in McDowell County with the 89th annual Veterans Day Parade in Welch.

The parade sponsored by the American Legion Post No. 8 begins Tuesday at 10 a.m. in downtown Welch. This year’s keynote speaker will be Maj. Gen. Allen E. Tacket of the West Virginia Army National Guard.

“We have one of the oldest ongoing Veterans Day parades in our country,” Charles Honaker, adjutant at the American Legion Post No. 8, said.

Honaker said a large parade line-up is already planned, and additional entries are still being accepted.

“We’ve already got more participants so far this year than we had last year,” Honaker said. “We are open for anyone who is interested in participating, not only from McDowell County, but also our surrounding counties.”

Anyone interested in participating in the parade can contact Wiley Lester at (304) 436-3922 or Honaker at (304) 436-4042, or any member of the American Legion.

Honaker said Tacket will deliver the keynote address following the conclusion of the parade. The annual dinner will follow at Mount View High School, and the American Legion Post NO. 8 also will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.

A number of regional bands also will be participating in this year’s parade, including Mount View High School and the return of the poplar Concord University band.

Honaker said parade organizers are hoping for good weather Tuesday.

“I’ve been a member of it for 38 years, and we’ve had a few Veterans Days where it will rain or snow, but I’m looking forward to a great day this year,” Honaker said.

– Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com