Reno’s annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11 drew a sizable crowd as more than a dozen community organizations honored the men and women who have served our nation. The event, organized by the Reno Police and Fire Departments, local JROTC chapters, and veteran‑focused nonprofits, emphasized the theme “veterans helping veterans and their families.”
Veterans Share Their Stories
Among the parade participants was Navy veteran Rick McDermid, who reflected on his deployment to Vietnam in 1968 and his role in recovering the Apollo 8 command module. “I really appreciate the City of Reno and everybody else that’s involved putting it together not just for me, but for the families and the generations that are coming up,” McDermid said.
Marine Corps veteran Lynn Henderson, who served in Somalia from 1991 to 1997, expressed surprise at the turnout. “To have this many people recognize the people that served, this is really a great thing,” he noted, adding that the large crowd reinforced the community’s respect for service members.
Army veteran John Dwyer, a 24‑year active‑duty veteran who later spent 16 years supporting the Army in a civilian capacity, recalled his near‑deployment during Operation Desert Storm. “They called for my unit three times, and we had to deny it because we had just gone through a reorganization,” he explained, underscoring the sacrifices made even when missions do not materialize.
Community Programs in the Spotlight
The parade highlighted several organizations that embody the “veterans helping veterans” mission. The Veterans Guest House, a local shelter offering temporary housing for veterans and their families, was recognized for its expanding services, including a newly built veterans’ home on Kietzke Lane. “They’re doing things in the right direction,” McDermid said of the development.
Liberty Dogs, a nonprofit that trains service dogs for veterans coping with physical and emotional challenges, received enthusiastic praise. Dwyer remarked, “I went to one of their trainings and they’re quite good,” emphasizing the tangible impact of such programs on veteran well‑being.
Local Support Fuels Ongoing Efforts
City officials and community leaders have long supported veteran initiatives, and the parade served as a reminder of that partnership. The presence of police, fire, and JROTC participants underscored the collaborative spirit that extends beyond the event itself.
“That means to me, veterans looking out for each other, helping each other get work, helping each other find help if we need it,” Henderson explained, illustrating how peer‑to‑peer networks can bridge gaps left by larger institutions.
As the parade concluded, 2 News Nevada thanked the veterans of northern Nevada for their service, reinforcing the city’s commitment to honoring and supporting those who have defended our freedoms.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
