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Athens’ Veterans Day parade brings back old friends

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – Athens’ annual Veterans Day parade brought in people from around the world and reunited old friends after their time serving.  

Retired Major Roger Johnson stands on College Green to deliver his Veterans Day address.
Retired Major Roger Johnson came to Athens from his home in the Czech Republic at the request of his former commander. [Haley Richardson | WOUB]
Retired Major Roger Johnson gave an address during the ceremony on College Green. He said veterans have a unique opportunity to serve as role models in their communities.  

“I think our veterans, with their experience and their background can be leaders and influencers, especially for young people,” Johnson said. 

Johnson now lives in the Czech Republic with his family, but came at the request of retired Colonel Joe Mulligan, whom he served under during Operation Desert Storm.  

Despite the distance, he came at Mulligan’s request for him to speak at the ceremony after the parade.  

Mulligan said Johnson was a good leader in their time working together.  

“Roger was my operations officer. Great guy; he could find his way across the desert with his eyes closed. Great organizer, you know, (you) asked him to do something (and) it got done,” he said. 

During the parade, members of the ROTC, local high school marching bands, school children, veterans and community members marched from Morris Avenue to Court Street before attending a ceremony to close out the celebration. 

However, not all who celebrate are veterans themselves.  

Wayne Bolin is a member of the Sons of the American Legion, a nonprofit dedicated to giving back to veterans. Although he is not a veteran, he said having the opportunity to contribute means a lot to him.  

“It’s very honorable – it’s because knowing that we get to reach out, knowing we get to help veterans, knowing we get to help the community,” he said.  

The American Legion chapter in Athens hosts an annual breakfast before the parade, and Bolin has been volunteering at the event for six years.  

The breakfast gave veterans a chance to catch up with those they used to serve with, as was the case with Johnson and Mulligan.  

To Mulligan, the celebration was a chance for the city to honor the sentiment behind the holiday. 

“You know, a nice parade through town, ideal weather, and it’s just a great way to recognize today is Veterans Day and the veterans that made it happen,” he said.  

The celebration concluded with a luncheon at the American Legion Post 21.