Veterans Day parade has new meaning

KILLEEN, Texas (KXAN) - Army Sgt. Clay Farmer lost five friends while in Iraq.

"It brings back memories," said Army Sgt. Farmer.

Last week, he lost another from his brigade in Ft. Hood.

"She just got back 10 days before the incident, and she was nine weeks pregnant," said Army Sgt. Farmer.

Some retired men and women were still shocked by the events on Nov. 5 that left 13 people dead and 30 wounded.

"It's a shame that we had to have somebody in the military, who does a thing like that," said Marvin Witherell.

The Veterans Day Parade came to a sudden stop right in the middle, a gesture vets hope will help draw attention to this day

"At 11:11, we're going to stop the parade for a moment of silence," said Lollie Hendricks.

Some people attended the parade as a way to thank those still here and honor those who are gone.

"They can be honored for what they've done for us," said Samantha Huggins.

Or, some are using the parade to start to heal from the mass shootings.

"Something to celebrate and get their minds off the disasters that have happened," said Farmer.

Sgt. Farmer said, above all, it reminds him why he joined the Army: To protect his nation and family. His heart goes out to those still hurting at Fort Hood.

"Pray for the ones who were wounded last Thursday," said Farmer. "Be with their families."

A police officer said, in his 14 years of directing traffic, he has never seen such a large turnout for a Veterans Day parade.

There was no official count, but from the looks of things, this will definitely be a day and a parade Killeen will never forget.