Mac McKenzie and Vee Lindsay, who both served in the Air Force, watched the annual Veterans Day parade in Arlington from their seats in front of the National Medal of Honor Museum.
Seeing the crowd of hundreds lining up along the Entertainment District streets on Nov. 11 showed them that their city is now a premier city for veterans.
鈥淲hen (the museum) came up, it fit right into what Arlington has become: a welcoming city,鈥� McKenzie said.
Crowds sat on the sidewalks as 90 marching bands, floats and trailers passed Choctaw Stadium, Esports Stadium Arlington and the museum Tuesday afternoon.
Last year, the parade organizers moved the annual event to the Entertainment District from its previous location in Downtown Arlington, where the Fourth of July parade is held.
Lindsay, McKenzie鈥檚 wife, said she and her husband had attended past parades and found this year鈥檚 to be superior due to its proximity to other major Arlington attractions.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a great improvement,鈥� Lindsay said.
Alongside the fanfare of celebrations, a line of tables representing nonprofits and various resources were set up near the expo center for veterans to learn more about initiatives that help those who served in the military.
Among those was Endeavors, a nationwide nonprofit aimed at providing mental health assistance and housing for homeless former service members in need. The nonprofit has two North Texas offices, one in Fort Worth and one in Dallas that work together to help veterans across the region.
Kalon Skaggs, an outreach and intake specialist with Endeavors, said members of the group saw a distinct need for their help in Tarrant County due to its .
鈥淩ight now, we鈥檙e focused on outreach and getting our name out so veterans who are experiencing homelessness know we can support them,鈥� Skaggs said.
Allen Griner, who has a similar role with Endeavors, said he has helped two homeless veterans in Tarrant County through the organization.
鈥淚鈥檓 in my car driving, and they鈥檝e got a sign that says, 鈥楬omeless veteran. Need cash,鈥欌�� Griner said. 鈥淚 said, 鈥業鈥檒l do you one better,鈥� and gave them my card. It鈥檚 happened twice, and we鈥檝e housed both of them.鈥�
As the sun slowly dropped behind the Arlington skyline, the final act of the night took flight.
Drones flew into the air over the Entertainment District, lighting up the sky with the insignia of each military branch.
Vietnam veteran Keith Potter said he only came to the event for the drone show.
Potter said he enjoyed the new location of the parade. The support was a far cry from what he experienced when he got home from serving, he said.
鈥淭he kids that were going to school at the time did not respect the Vietnam veterans, and I鈥檓 seeing that change a whole lot now. I really think that鈥檚 great,鈥� Potter said.
Chris Moss is a reporting fellow for the Arlington Report. Contact him at chris.moss@fortworthreport.org.
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