Annual Veterans Day parade held in Cranston

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Veterans, officials, and community members gathered at the annual Veterans Day parade in Cranston Monday morning.

Marine Corps Veteran Ted Powers attended the parade, which he says he loves coming to every year to celebrate Veterans Day.

“It’s your family, your home. Without it we wouldn’t have a country. We’ve got the greatest country in the world. Look at all of the people just to get into this country, it’s a privilege to have been born in this country,” Powers said.

“I remembered when President Kennedy said, ‘ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,’ and that’s when I decided to join,” Powers said.

Powers was among the many others in attendance who have served for the country.

“I am proud to be a veteran and come to this parade all of these years with all of my fellow veterans that I know and respect,” Cranston resident and veteran Thomas Paone said.

Senator Jack Reed, a Cranston native, was honored as the grand marshal for this year’s parade.

“I can simply say it feels good to be home, in Cranston,” Reed said.

Reed served in the U.S. Army for many years and is now the Senate Armed Services Committee chair in Washington.

“It’s a day to recognize the service and sacrifice of generations of Americans who have worn the uniform of our country. I was proud to serve my country wearing that uniform,” Reed said.