Stars, Stripes, and Gratitude: Community Salutes Local Veterans
The Butler County High School NJROTC Color Guard leads the way in the Morgantown Veterans Day Parade. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
Story and Photos by Beverly Bonilla
The Morgantown Veterans Day Parade may have taken place on a chilly day, but that didn’t stop the community of Butler County from coming out to show their support for the Veterans of our community. The streets were lined with smiling faces and waving flags as the community came together to honor those who have served our nation.
Local veterans wave proudly to the crowd during the Morgantown Veterans Day Parade, as community members lined the streets to show appreciation for their service and sacrifice. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
There were a few changes to the program this year. Traditionally, the parade is held on Saturday, but this year’s parade took place shortly after the Veterans Day program at the Butler County High School. The parade began at 1pm, allowing many of the children from all the Butler Co Schools to be brought by bus to watch the event. For safety reasons, no candy was given out this year, but the children still seemed to truly enjoy the parade despite the cold weather.
Morgantown Elementary School students proudly march in the Veterans Day Parade carrying a banner that reads “We salute our veterans,” showing their gratitude and support for those who have served. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
Several of the 2025 Veterans of the Year were in attendance in the parade, including VFW Auxiliary Post 5837 Veteran of the Year Brian Pharris, VFW Post 5837 Veteran of the Year Rick Brown, Butler Co DAR Veterans of the Year Jim Givens and Deanna Embry, Green River Chapter DAR Veteran of the Year Carl Keller. Also joining in the parade was Master Sergeant Suzi Huffman, proudly representing her service and dedication.
Butler County NSDAR Veteran of the Year Jim Givens waves to the crowd during the Morgantown Veterans Day Parade, proudly representing local veterans honored for their service. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
The parade featured a strong show of community participation, The NJROTC did not let us down as they marched behind the NJROTC Color Guard with the Butler County High School and Middle School Band close behind leading the way in lively patriotic tunes. Students, athletes, various Butler County Clubs, Girl Scout and many other local organizations marched through downtown Morgantown, each group added to the spirit of unity and pride.
The Butler County High School Band performs during the Morgantown Veterans Day Parade, filling downtown with music as the community gathered to honor local veterans. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
Despite the cold, the warmth of community fellowship could be felt throughout the afternoon as neighbors came together to solute the brave veterans who have given so much for our freedom. It was truly a wonderful day to celebrate service, sacrifice and the enduring strength of Butler County’s patriotic spirit.
