WARSAW — With much fanfare and festivity, the small town of Warsaw will continue America’s longest consecutive Veterans Day celebration on Saturday, Nov. 7. This year’s event will be the town’s 89th celebration. The theme for the 89th gala is the “War on Terrorism—We will never Forget.”

The town will honor the “Champions Against Terrorism” (Afghanistan and Iraq veterans) from Duplin County during the day-long event, with some of those riding on a float in the annual parade.

“The parade was started by the Warsaw American Legion,” said Chamber of Commerce director Linda Kitchen in giving an overview and history of the much-anticipated event.

According to Kitchin, 14 veterans fresh from military service established the Charles R. Gavin American Legion Post 127 in Warsaw in honor of their fallen comrade. Henry L. Stevens was the first commander and helped organized the first Warsaw Armistice Day Parade. In 1925, he became the state commander, and six years later, the national commander, making him the first Tar Heel to receive the honor. They continued to sponsor the celebration until the early 1960s.

Today an organization known as the Warsaw Veterans Committee ensures that the proud tradition of honoring the nation’s veterans continues, Kitchin said.

The committee includes representation from American Legion Post 17, and Post 227, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wthe Warsaw Chamber and the Warsaw town government.

Although many of the long-standing traditions best known about the celebration will remain the same, Kitchin did say there would be some things that would be different, including a change in the parade marshal’s position in the parade.

Instead of the parade marshal riding in a vehicle at the front of the parade, this year they will be on a float, Kitchin said. That was partly necessitated by the fact that this year’s marshals are veterans of the Iraqi and Afghan wars. Those who have committed to participate include: Agustin Gonzalez of Kenansville; Albert H. Greene of Teachey; Benjamin Parrish of Mount Olive; Jerry Davis of Beulaville; Douglas Hunter of Kenansville; Oscar C. Mojica of Albertson; Jeff McLemore of Kenansville; Chad Parvis of Warsaw; Melisssa Parvis of Warsaw; Mike E. Hawkins of Warsaw; and Johnny McGee of Warsaw.

In phone interviews several of these veterans expressed their feelings in regards to being asked to take part in the Veterans Day activities.

Newcomers Chad and Melissa Parvis, who are both veterans, — Chad in the Marines and Melissa serving in the Army —  moved to Warsaw over a year ago to split the difference in their respective drives to work.

“I have served in Iraq for one tour and I am currently awaiting the President’s decision on Afghanistan as to my redeployment, which I hope will be soon,” said Sgt. Chad Parvis, who is stationed at Camp Lejuene

“As far as being asked to be a part of the Veterans Day Parade, I have to say it is very humbling. It is always cool to take part in any activity honoring the services. It helps to remind you of why you joined the military, and that it is not about you but the nation as a whole. I think I will enjoy being able to participate, and I am honored to be a part of this great celebration.”

Melissa Parvis is an E4 Specialist stationed at Fort Bragg and serves as a map maker, doing all the administrative paperwork for her company. She, too, will be participating in the parade and is hoping to soon redeploy to Afghanistan. She served in Iraq for 10 months.

“I am excited to be a part of this year’s celebration. We attended the parade last year and it was great. It will be different this year taking an active part. I have never been on a float before, and I think the whole day will be exciting.” Melissa shared that she joined the Army because “she wanted to do something different in her life to help her country. Joining in a time of war seemed the right thing to do.”

Johnny McGee also stated he was honored to be asked to be a part of this year’s activities, the second such year he’s been involved.. “I am glad that I will be here. Hopefully we will have a great turnout and the weather will hold out.” The retired N.C. National Guard Staff Sgt. currently is an active member of the Reserve and is an OC (Observation Controller). He is also an active firefighter with the Warsaw Fire Department and is a nationally registered and state certified EMT, who also serves in that capacity locally. “It is always great to be recognized for the service you have given to your country. I am honored to be a part of this celebration and hope it will help touch the lives of those in attendance.”

Kitchen said that in addition to the parade, there will be inflatables for the children, an assortment of vendors and food to tempt nearly every tastebud.

The day begins with a Pancake Breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge. The vendors’ sidewalk sale will begin at 9 a.m. on Front Street and memorial services will start at 10 a.m. in Veteran’s Park. The flyover and parade kicks off at 11 a.m. with a barbecue lunch to follow at noon. The Duplin County Veterans Museum at the Best House will be open from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

“We are hoping for over 10,000 people to be in attendance, and we encourage everyone to come out and join in the celebration,” added Kitchen. “If you love your freedom, thank a veteran.”

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail sigeneral@myclintonnc.com.