Hundreds in Marysville say ‘thank you' to veterans in parade

As he stood at D and Sixth streets in downtown Marysville on Friday, Vietnam veteran John Love said his emotions were in conflict on a day to remember those who fought.

"I contrast it with the way it was after Vietnam," said Love, a U.S. Air Force veteran watching the annual Veterans Day Parade pass through the intersection. "People didn't welcome us then.

"Today, we get a lot of respect."

Cheers, smiles and the heartfelt "thank you" represented the respect Love described as hundreds who crowded the parade route weren't shy about their appreciation.

Such emotion was present from the parade's beginning, when a pair of Yuba-Sutter veterans among the last in the region to have served during World War II beamed as they rode in a jeep under overcast skies.

Ninety-seven-year-old Joseph Langdell of Marysville said he was proud to wear the same U.S. Navy uniform he'd worn nearly 70 years ago, noting with a smile he had to give up a lot of his favorite foods and drinks to do so.

"I think it's wonderful," he said. "People love to see the uniform. Heck, I've been kissed by half a dozen girls today."

Langdell had no problem becoming serious when asked what he felt people should take away from Veterans Day, the nation's designated holiday for those who've served in the military.

"They should remember the soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, who lost their lives so we could prosper," he said.

But for a day with a certain amount of solemnity, good cheer was the prevailing emotion, whether it was middle-aged women enthusiastically waving small American flags or youngsters scampering after candy flung from those in the parade.

More than just the military were marching: Parade entries featured local law enforcement, county and city elected officials, marching bands from Yuba-Sutter high schools, and even a modern dance troupe whose lead vehicle bore the words: "Free 2 dance cuz of our veterans!"

Though the positive response never flagged, one sighting was sure to bring a greater reaction: Either a young man and woman in camouflage, or someone of a certain age bearing a hat with inscription "Veteran."

Tara Richards of Yuba City said watching the parade made her think of both those in the parade and someone who would've been.

"My father-in-law was always in these parades, and he passed away two months ago," said Richards, 38. "So we're here for him, and to be proud of the people who serve for our freedom."

She also said she was making the day a bit of a teachable moment for her 10-year-old son, Ethan, who peered down the street for the possibility of passing candy.

"I talked to him about bravery and courage and doing the right thing," she said.

As the parade rolled on, other entries reflected its patriotic roots, from the rumble of motorcycles carrying vets to Girl Scout packs wearing red, white and blue with their uniforms.

Toward the end, there was a surprise: A replica of a landing craft like those used in D-Day, loaded with veterans who might've been 20 feet off the ground.

Even after an hour of :parade, one onlooker got :caught up again: "Oh :wow." She repeated, "Oh :wow."