Now more than ever, it’s important to give thanks.

That was the message Saturday as Tamaqua American Legion C.H. Berry Post 173 hosted the Eastern Schuylkill Veterans Day Parade.

The solemn event in Tamaqua dates back to post-Civil War days and has been organized by volunteer Dave Meredith for the past five years.

This year, the gesture of respect seemed to take on greater significance.

Some said their own reason to pay respect is very personal.

“I have a lineage of servicemen in my family,” said Tom Keerans of Newkirk. Keerans is the great-grandson of a man lost due to the tragedy called friendly fire.

“My great grandfather, Charles Lee Keerans, was a brigadier general in the 82nd Airborne. He was accidentally shot down by Allies. He supposedly swam to an island but was never seen again.”

In addition, Keerans came out to support his stepdaughters, both of whom are part of the Tamaqua Area Raider Marching Band.

Hometown resident Scott Major showed up waving two American flags. He said more people need support to veterans, “especially nowadays,” he emphasized.

Major said has aunts, uncles and cousins who were part of the military. He said he’d like to see an annual turnout similar to the thousands that show up for the typical Tamaqua Halloween parade because veterans deserve it.

“They did a lot for us.”

Spectator Gloria Smulligan was on hand with daughter Sheryl.

She was thinking of veterans in her family, a son-in-law, father and brother-in-law Karl.

Tamaqua residents Barbara Francis and Alex Hannah showed up carrying an oversized American flag to wave to parade participants.

Mayor Nate Gerace said he feels more people need to incorporate the holiday into their traditions, similar to his own upbringing.

“My parents brought me out to watch and to teach me the importance of it.”

Grand Marshal was Roy Turner of Barnesville, U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War.

The Poppy Queen was Layluh Creitz, 6.

Also taking part were Tamaqua Police Chief Michael Hobbs.

Seven members of the Tamaqua American Legion rifle squad used M1s to fire volleys near the Rahn Township Honor Roll Memorial on East Broad Street and the Tamaqua War Memorial at the legion post home.

The American Legion hosted a service at the post home on West Broad Street following the parade.

Guest speaker Jack Kulp, Tamaqua, U.S. Army veteran, reminded the crowd that veterans made a big difference worldwide.

“The freedom enjoyed by Europeans today is due to the sacrifice of American veterans.”

He urged support of the buddy system, the hiring of veterans, supporting veteran-owned businesses, suicide prevention initiatives, and the veterans’ crisis hot line, 1-800-273-8255.

“Fewer than 10 percent of Americans can claim the title of veteran,” Kulp said. “Veterans gave us freedom, security and the greatest nation on earth.”

Tamaqua fire police handled traffic control along Routes 209 and 309.