Hundreds Attend Annual Tri-City Veterans Day Parade in Phenix City, Columbus

Hundreds of citizens and veterans gathered near the 13th Street Bridge connecting Phenix City and Columbus for the annual Tri-City Veterans Day Parade, WTVM reported.

The late Jerry “Pop” Barnes founded the community event in 2010. The Tri-City area has held the parade since then.

More than 150 entries rolled, marched, and rode through the established route. Michael L. Clayton, a 20-year Army veteran, attended the procession for the first time. He pointed to crowd size as the defining highlight of the gathering.

“The attendance. The attendance. That’s the most important thing. And for everybody to know and to let people know that we really appreciate what they do,” Clayton told WTVM.

Bryce Ransome of Columbus, whose father and brother are veterans, described the march as a public expression of gratitude. He emphasized the community value of showing visible respect.

“It shows a lot of value. And we need that. We all need that. We all need people showing love and giving respect and actually having gratitude for the things that they did, things that we couldn’t accomplish. And even now today if we still needed them I’m pretty sure they will come through,” Ransome told WTVM.

Jennifer Le Denney of Columbus watched the procession to support her family members who served, including her father, bonus father, and grandparents. She also cheered for her son, who marched as a member of the Jordan Vocational High School marching band.

Leah Brundidge, a student at Hardaway High School, expressed pride in representing local veterans.

“I felt proud to represent them knowing that I want to be like them one day,” Brundidge told WTVM.

Frankie Donahue, a student at Northside High School, echoed that sentiment while preparing to perform along the avenue.

“I want to be like them one day. I feel honored to be out here marching and putting on a show out here,” Donahue told WTVM.