Somber thoughts at veterans parade

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Veterans and supporters remembered Fort Hood families during Fort Wayne's annual Veterans Day parade, Saturday.

The parade started at State and Parnell and made its way to the Memorial Coliseum where a ceremony was held in Memorial Hall.

On the way, NewsChannel 15 spoke to several veterans in the parade and folks watching from the sidewalk. Many said they were still in shock over the mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas that left 13 people dead and 29 others wounded.

"It was hard to believe that that could happen," said Eric Hansen with the Boy Scouts of America. "It hit us really hard this year, I think. How important our military is for us, and what they've done in the past and what they're doing for us now."

"What can you say? It shouldn't have happened," added Oliver Fitzwater, a Purple Heart veteran.

"I hope everybody is praying for them and praying for all our military this weekend," said Sandra Egts with the Northeast Indiana Marine Family Support Group.

Some were wearing black ribbons in mourning. Others were trying to celebrate the lives of fallen service men and women.

"With what happened in Fort Hood, it really makes it a sad occassion, but even though it is, you know, we still try to celebrate the ones who should be celebrated," said veteran Ollie Reeves.