News

A convoy of cars adorned with American flags and signs paid tribute to veterans Wednesday on Main Avenue in Durango, a scaled-down and COVID-19-friendly version of the annual Veterans Day parade.

Terry Saxon, event organizer and former commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4031, said the city of Durango didn’t approve the group’s annual parade permit, what would have been the 20th year, because proper social-distancing rules could not be put in place.

“So we came up with the idea of a convoy,” Saxon said.

Right at 11 a.m., traffic was stopped by police cars to allow the convoy to turn left at the intersection of Main and College Drive. Thirty-one cars, trucks and motorcycles slowly moved from south to north on Main Avenue. Residents were dispersed on either side of the street cheering, waving and holding American flags.

“It went really well,” Saxon said. “... We had a really good turnout. I always think it’s really important to honor our local veterans because they go one step beyond the normal citizens to serve their country, so I think it’s well and proper we honor them.”

Durango resident Meghan Kunch and her son stood on the side of the street waving to the passing cars. She said she wanted to show her patriotism and “thank those who have fought for us.”

She said they were able to attend this year because of the recent move to remote learning.

A number of residents came out of shops and restaurants to watch the parade. Employees from Animas Trading Co. stood outside the shop to thank those who served, they said.

Paul Boyer, who served in the National Guard in the 1960s and ’70s, heard the parade was happening at 10 a.m., which struck him as odd, as it has always happened at 11 a.m. However, he parked his car and walked down to Main Avenue at 10 to see if it was happening. He wasn’t alone, as there were a number of other people on the sidewalks an hour early with American flags. Incorrect information about the start time was shared with The Durango Herald, which was published on its website.

Boyer said the hour before the parade was almost as special as the parade because he was struck by how people were just waiting quietly and patiently for the parade to start so they could express their gratitude.

Once the parade started, Boyer said it wasn’t quite the same as it usually is because of COVID-19, “but it was very nice.”

“I was very pleased to see that the people who put on the parade, put on the parade despite the difficulties presented by COVID-19,” Boyer said.

Boyer said Veterans Day parades are one of his favorite parts of small-town America, and it was a nice show of community.

“It felt a lot like the Durango I like to see,” Boyer said.

Shortly after the parade, around 11:55 a.m., the Colorado Air National Guard flew four F-16s over downtown Durango.

Tyler Mousner, who served in the Air Force for 15 years, wasn’t able to attend the parade because his daughter’s school recently moved to remote learning. However, Veterans Day is especially meaningful to him, he said, because he has had family members serve in every branch of the armed services, and his wife is currently serving in Qatar with the Air Force.

“Veterans Day is about just giving thanks for all the freedoms we take for granted here, because without veterans, I don’t think it’s possible,” Mousner said. “It’s just kind of giving thanks to all those who’ve served and given the ultimate sacrifice.”

[email protected]