The rumble of National Guard tanks mixed with bands and marching feet Thursday as Salem observed Veterans Day with its biggest parade in many years. Rain washed out some parade entries but the mile-long parade got a good reception as it wound through the downtown business district. A weapons display, luncheon and dance were also held.

The rumble of National Guard tanks mixed with bands and marching feet Thursday as Salem observed Veterans Day with its biggest parade in many years. Rain washed out some parade entries but the mile-long parade got a good reception as it wound through the downtown business district. A weapons display, luncheon and dance were also held.

reprinted from Oregon Statesman, Friday November 12, 1965

Names of Wars Past, Present Linked by Tributes at Salem

Salem turned out in the rain Thursday to pay homage to veterans of American battles in scattered and strange sounding places, like Chateau-Thierry, Iwo Jima, Pusan and Plei Me.

Three wreaths placed at the foot of a doughboy statue inscribed “Greater Love Hath No Man…” symbolized the city’s respect for the dead of World War I.

Then through town rolled a parade of white-haired veterans in care, fresh, eager youngsters of the new generation, uniformed men, heavy tanks and other symbols of U.S. military strength.

Although the rain kept some scheduled participants home, the Salem parade was one of the biggest in years. Two bands shrugged off the rainfall to provide lively music for marchers. They were the Oregon College of Education band and the Chemawa Indian School pep band. Chemawa also provided colorfully dressed marchers.