Watch CBS News

Baltimore Celebrates Veterans Day With Annual Parade

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--It's estimated that since the Revolutionary War, over a million service men and women have given their lives for our country.

On this Veterans Day, Mike Schuh reports the city takes time to say thanks.

The streets are shut down. The bands are fired up. City leaders take their places. And here there is a sense of gratitude.

On the curb, two retired sergeants Joe and Sam say they feel the country's attitude towards them and all vets, no matter when they served, has changed.

"When I first came home, they throw eggs at us. It was terrible, calling us baby killers. But things have changed," said Sgt Samuel Hawkins, retired.

The discipline, the sounds of a parade are all a part of a military life, routines that can bring comfort to a vet.

"It starts out in basic training as a matter of fact, day one," Sgt. Hawkins.

"What I like about the parade is a sense of formation for everybody getting together who served this country. And being able to do that it puts us in a position to appreciate the folks who supported us, who prayed for us, and when we came home took good care of us," said Robert Lake, Iraq veteran.

That care, it's still happening.

Dawn Alexander uses her 11 years in to talk to those who just got out.

Her company, Exelon, BGE's parent, wants vets to help vets.

"Because the military is a different way of life you know, so when you come into corporate you have to readjust so you can fit in," Alexander said.

Once all the parade units have passed, the speeches given, a wreath will be laid at the War Memorial.

In all, nearly three million soldiers in this country have been killed or wounded in our country's military conflicts and wars.

Other Local News:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.