Center Street in historic Old Town Manassas, Virginia, was packed with families, students, and community members Saturday as the 18th Annual Northern Virginia Veterans Parade rolled through town. High‑school marching bands, dance troupes, classic car clubs and, most prominently, 147 cadets from Woodbridge Senior High School’s Army JROTC program marched side‑by‑side with veterans, displaying a vivid picture of patriotism and respect for those who defended our freedoms.
JROTC Cadets Lead the Way
Lt. Col. Doug Osborne, who mentors the Woodbridge cadets, explained that the annual march is a chance for young people to demonstrate their love of country and to honor the sacrifices of older generations. “I tell you, it is one of the best, one of the best things that I’ve ever witnessed,” Osborne said. “You see some of these old guys who served in Vietnam or in the first Gulf War, and their face just lights up.”
Senior cadet Dua Qurayshi, a 17‑year‑old who hopes to attend Duke University, described the early‑morning preparations. “These cadets have been pushing themselves on Saturday mornings, coming in at 8 a.m., practicing marching, drill, and ceremony,” she said. Qurayshi added that the parade gives her a chance to reflect on the legacy passed down from veterans. “It just gives us a way to give back to them, the veterans,” she said.
Community Support and Veteran Voices
About 50 groups participated, according to parade marshal Mike Curry, a retired Navy veteran of 20 years. “It really warms your heart,” Curry said. “We’re trying to show what military people did, and the community is supporting them by having this parade.”
The procession concluded near the Harris Pavilion, where the National Museum of the Marine Corps hosted a pop‑up exhibit staffed by former Marine Andy Traynor, who served 27 years. “It’s reassuring,” Traynor said. “You see people out here honoring the veterans, recognizing the flag, standing at attention when we sing the national anthem.”
Why the Parade Matters
Beyond the pageantry, the event underscores the deep ties between Manassas families, local schools, and the nation’s armed forces. By involving youth in a public display of gratitude, the parade helps preserve the memory of service and encourages the next generation to uphold the values of faith, family, and liberty that have long defined our community.
Local businesses and civic groups also took part, providing refreshments and logistical support, reinforcing the idea that honoring veterans is a shared responsibility that strengthens the social fabric of Manassas.
Looking Ahead
Organizers hope the parade will continue to grow, inviting more schools, veteran organizations, and community partners to join future celebrations. As the cadets filed off the street, the applause and smiles from veterans and spectators alike reminded everyone that honoring those who served remains a cornerstone of Manassas’ identity.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
