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Parade to honor Texas Veterans May 18

Corsicana Daily Sun - 3/12/2019

March 12-- Mar. 12--A Texas Veterans Parade. Corsicana will salute current and past Military Veterans from all wars and conflicts on Saturday morning May 18, which is Armed Forces Day in the United States.

The parade will honor two Corsicana and Navarro County heroes, Candelario "Spider" Garcia, 2014 Medal of Honor recipient, and the namesake of our town and county, Jose Antonio Navarro, who signed both the Texas Declaration of Independence and the Texas Constitution.

A Texas Veterans Parade in Corsicana is not new. It is the reestablishment of a tradition that goes back more than 100 years. The World War I Armistice parade in 1918 and 1945 World War II Victory Parade and Rodeo drew thousands of Texans to Corsicana's famous downtown from all across the Lone Star State. The 1945 Parade had the most decorated veteran of WWII, Audie Murphy, as its Grand Marshall on horseback.

The 2019 Parade will start at 10 a.m. and include a Medal of Honor recipient as Grand Marshall, vintage military vehicles, reenactors from all wars, a flyover from Coyote Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force, floats including the Daughters of the American Revolution, a military demonstration, and much more.

The World War II and Vietnam Memorial on the north side of the meticulously restored Navarro County Courthouse is the starting place for the 10 a.m. parade. More than 20 men from Corsicana made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I and World War II saw over 30 men give their lives in defense of their country. The Vietnam Memorial with three flags is a centerpiece of the Navarro County Courthouse lawn.

The Texas Veterans Parade Corsicana Committee is actively looking statewide for participants to honor Texas Veterans from every war and conflict. Vintage Military vehicles, Military reenactors groups, marching bands, color guards, youth groups and riders on horses are welcome to participate at no charge. Trophies will be awarded in every category.

The idea came from a Texas school girl, Slone McNutt. Her father is Bill McNutt, a 1973 graduate of Corsicana High School and parade's founder. McNutt and retired Navy Captain, Joe Hill, recruited a group of 32 local patriots to re-launch Navarro County and Corsicana's historic tradition of hosting a Texas Veterans Parade. The Committee is seeking photographs and archived images of past Military parades in Corsicana for use in publicity.

This year's celebration parade, held the third Saturday in May will also display marching bands, the Corsicana High School Air Force JR ROTC, and much more.

Corsicana Mayor Don Denbow said: "We are happy to acknowledge the Texas Veterans Parade, and welcome re-enactors and owners of military vehicles from all across the state. Our country is only as strong as our nation's defenses. Corsicana is a patriotic community. We will always appreciate a chance to honor Texas Veterans."

"Corsicana's location at the crossroads of Interstate Highway 45 and State Highway 31 make it an easy place to access," said Bill McNutt, Founder and Chairman of the Texas Veterans Parade Corsicana. "Here, our visitors will find more than the home of Texas first oil well, Wolf Brand Chili, K Wolens Department Stores and the Collin Street Bakery. They will find welcoming fellow Texans who will extend hospitality as we honor Texas Veterans and educate our young people about the sacrifices our Military makes to create freedom and liberty."

Visitors to Corsicana for the parade can treat themselves to the Pearce Museum of American Civil War and Western Art on the campus of Navarro College and its special exhibit, Western Artist Roundup Show, featuring artists who are preserving the customs of old and new in the American West. The Civil War museum's permanent collection of more than 44,000 artifacts and focused collections directly relating to the American Civil War is included in the price of admission ($8 adults, $6 seniors 55+, $4 youth 6-17.)

The museum is open Saturday from Noon to 4 p.m. at 3100 West Collin Street.

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For details about participating in the parade and to receive a parade application, contact Joe Hill at 903-257-5910, email jdhnavy23@bellsouth.net, or go to www.texansveteransparade.com.

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A variety of trusted brand hotels are available for overnight stays. Go to www.visitcorsicana.com for information.

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(c)2019 the Corsicana Daily Sun (Corsicana, Texas)

Visit the Corsicana Daily Sun (Corsicana, Texas) at corsicanadailysun.com

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