Nov. 10, 2024 was a big day for many veterans, as they gathered with friends and family for the sixth annual Veterans Parade in downtown Lincoln at 2 p.m. It observed the theme of gratitude and honored the sacrifices veterans have made for America, reminding us to take time to reflect on how our veterans have put themselves at risk in order to preserve our freedom.

The Lincoln Southeast Marching band was also present, marching a route from Lincoln High School up to the Capitol. They played an arrangement of drum cadences such as, “America North” and “Salute to America.”

There were a variety of floats, motorcycles and cars circling around the capitol. Crowds lined the street, expressing their support, celebrating and showing their gratitude for veterans.

This year’s sixth annual veterans day parade was a major success, with all the bands, floats, people and most importantly, the veterans who were honored that day.

LSE history teacher and 20-year veteran Jesse Reynolds was not able to make it to the parade, but he has his own views on the special day.

For Reynolds, he personally doesn’t want the attention on him during Veteran’s Day. Rather, he supports the spotlight being shone on others.

“Just, as a veteran, it’s a little like, I’m just a guy,” Reynolds said.

While Reynolds personally doesn’t partake in the event, he understands its importance to other veterans and their families.

“I do think that there are a lot of veterans that it’s really necessary for, though,” Reynolds said. “I just see myself as a guy, but I do think [the parade is] important for a lot of veterans and for a big part of the veteran community.”

Another veteran at Southeast, Oral Communications teacher and Speech Coach Tommy Bender, was unsure whether or not he would attend the parade, but ended up not going. He has gone in years past to watch, and has even marched in the parade before. He has enjoyed being able to march alongside family members that have served, and has formed a strong connection with them as a result.

Being a veteran has been a huge part of Bender’s life, so the parade is important to him.

“I learned a great deal about myself in the service. It’s a big part of how I became who I am,” Bender said. “The parade is important, it’s a way to say thank you to those who have served. It’s an honor.”