Besides a bit of wind, the weather was wonderful Wednesday morning for the Annual Veterans Day Parade in Manhattan! The parade featured soldiers, past and present, civic leaders, emergency responders and an astounding 2000 students representing 17 different schools.

Following the parade, a Commemorative Program was held at the Peace Memorial Auditorium hosted by the Master of Ceremonies Don Thomson. The event was highlighted by performances by Lee and Theodore Roosevelt Elementary 2nd Graders, as well as an award ceremony for Veterans Day poster and essay winners.

Special appearances included Kansas Representative Tom Hawk, Representative Tom Phillips, Representative Sydney Carlin, Riley County Commissioner Ron Wells and Manhattan Mayor Karen McCulloh.

The keynote speaker was Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, Major General Wayne W. Grigsby. He began with a short film that detailed the history of the Big Red 1, and noted that how the community comes together for Veterans Day was “breathtaking.”

A Veterans Day Recognition Honors Banquet will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall  Post 17, at 114 McCall Road.