COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Veterans Day parade in downtown Columbus is typically where people remember and celebrate those who served our country.
“I remember when there was thousands of people down there. When desert storm was on we had huge crowds and the military all marched,” said Warren Motts, a board member of Milvets, a military veteran resource center.
But this year, there won’t be a parade.
“If you have a parade and nobody comes is it still a parade?” said Co-President of Milvets Carrie Killingsworth.
Milvets leaders said over the past few years, attendance has been low at the parade. Motts said he hopes people aren’t forgetting about veterans.
“When you consider that only 1% of people in this country are in the military, we don’t have a lot of people aware of veterans. Veterans are the reason we got the freedom we got,” said Motts.
But attendance wasn’t the only issue. Recently, Milvets has not been receiving as many donations as they were before the pandemic.
“The big problem is money. It takes a lot to put that parade on. You need police, you have to shut down the road. It takes a lot of logistics,” said Motts.
Despite the parade being canceled this year, the organization is still supporting the community through college scholarships. Anyone who has a veteran in their family can apply.
Motts said although the parade isn’t happening, he hopes people still honor and remember our veterans this weekend.
“Remember Veterans Day. Veterans are the reason we are free. Every one of them put their name on the line saying they would give up their life,” said Motts.