Rochester’s hosts its first Veterans Day Parade: Attendees hope it will be an annual event

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – For the first time in history, Monroe County held a Veterans Day parade. Everyone we spoke to at this parade says this is a chapter in the history books for Rochester. That this parade is a symbol of honor, and salute to those who have served and sacrificed for America’s freedom.

Red, white, and blue waved in the wind, creating a new chapter for Rochester. Army reserve officer, and Brigadier General, Stacy Babcock is a Rochester native, and has served for about 40 years.

“I grew up in this area, many of the units I was in, was in this area. Fourteen years here and when I was asked to come back here and be a part of the parade, I was honored to come back home,” Babcock said.

Like Babcock, many were surprised to learn that Rochester has never held a Veterans Day parade.

“When I found out we’ve never had one it surprised me,” Babcock said.

“I was surprised and delighted that it’s finally happening, like even in this time of our country, we still value veterans and that’s important,” Brenna Cialini told us, her family is from Fairport.

The parade started,  around 10:30 a.m. on the corner of South Goodman and Highland Avenue. The group was a mix of men and women in uniform, veterans, and community members. They marched to the Gary Beikirch Memorial Park.

Babcock says it was truly an honor to be home for the event, and hopes it becomes an annual event for Monroe County.

“I like to say that everyone wears a uniform, literally and figuratively. The supporters are that other side to every veteran, a veteran cannot perform their services without support, so it really means a lot to have people out here. I hope this is the first of many to come.”