By Brittany Anderson
BUDA — As communities across the nation come together to honor veterans this month, Buda took part with its own parade down historic Main Street on Nov. 6.
Along with floats from local businesses and organizations — like Dance Unlimited, who won a first place trophy for their parade performance — six different Central Texas veterans organizations participated in the parade.
One unique feature came from Brian McKinney, owner of the Memorial Miniature Golf and Museum, who brought out “Old Sarge” — a 1942 Ford GPW that saw combat during World War II.
McKinney invited retired United States Air Force Colonel Michael Lakos to ride with him. McKinney and Lakos met last year after Lakos reached out to him after reading an article in the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch about the museum.
McKinney said that Lakos has been a big supporter of his museum’s mission to “educate our youth on what our veterans do for us.”
“Having him ride with us [in the parade] really fulfills our dream of recognizing veterans paying homage for wearing the uniform and serving our country,” McKinney added.
Lakos, who served for 28 years before retiring in 2014, said that he loves the fact that even a small community like Buda can come together and put on a parade for veterans.
“I think regardless of where we are as a country, there’s one thing that will always remain true, and that is people honor and respect veterans because of their sacrifices,” Lakos said. “It’s a different calling than the everyday line of work. I truly respect the fact that most people in society honor that. I try not to take it for granted.”
The parade concluded with a flyover of a World War II aircraft by the Cen-Tex Wing of Commemorative Air Force, as well as a Market in the Park in downtown Greenbelt featuring local artisans.
More photos from the parade are below.
Photos by Brittany Anderson.
