Honoring our heroes

They'd been coming to the Virginia City Veterans Day parade for two decades, and Wednesday was no exception.

John Delaney and his wife Marjorie said they feel a loyalty to the little parade that lines C Street in the historic mountain town and wouldn't miss it for anything - John always decked out in his Naval dress blues with his bride of 53 years by his side.

The two met in 1956 in Yokosuka, Japan, where Marjorie was a lieutenant as a Navy nurse and John a corpsman.

She spent eight years in service, discharging to raise their two children. John, a retired chief petty officer, served from 1952 to 1971.

"I think people are beginning to realize what these guys actually do sacrifice," he said of the large turnout for Wednesday's parade. "The family sacrifices, too. What other job do you say, 'I'm going to work, honey. I'll see you in 13 months."

The parade had 49 entries. The grand marshal was Stan Destwolinski, a Korean war veteran and past commander of the Dayton Veterans of Foreign War Post 8660.

Among the entries were the Carson Middle School Marching Band and Color Guard and junior ROTC units from Carson, Churchill County, Incline and Douglas high schools.

Also in the parade were Gold Star and Blue Star families including the parents of slain American soldiers Staff Sgt. Bryan Bolander, Chief Warrant Officer Joshua Rodgers and Sgt. Timothy Smith.

This year was the first time retired Marine Corps Sgt. Redgie Mull participated in the parade.

Serving from 1967 to 1970, the Reno man cut a impressive figure in the Marine Corps Class A uniform issued to him more than 30 years ago.

He walked the parade alongside retired Gunnery Sgt. Mo Devereaux of Carson City.

While marching in the parade was old hat for "Top" Devereaux, Mull said he was glad he took Devereaux up on the offer to participate.

"I loved it," said Mull.