On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Galen Cole will lead the parade with his group of proud World War II veterans. Korean War veterans will follow with a handful of Vietnam War veterans behind them.

I understand why there are so few Vietnam War veterans. Myself and thousands of others did the job our country asked of us but never have felt good about being veterans of that war. Very few were welcomed home from the very unpopular war. I usually stand aside along the parade route. I’ve never walked in a parade.

I read a wonderful letter to the editor from an Old Town Vietnam War veteran after a July 4 parade. He finally felt he was appreciated for his sacrifice. I now look at walking in the parade differently.

I will now walk to welcome other Vietnam War veterans home and to honor my friends and soldiers who did not come home as I did. If there are others out there who feel the way I do, come walk with me to honor others. The parade forms in the parking lot between Advance Auto Parts and Hannaford in Brewer at 9:45 a.m. for a 10:15 a.m. Saturday departure.

Charles B. Knowlen

Eddington