Hundreds gather to honor veterans in Bend’s impromptu Veterans Day Parade

(Update: Adding video, comments from veterans)

Hundreds showed up, despite cancellation of Bend's official parade

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Hundreds of patriotic people paraded through the streets of Bend on Veterans Day, full of flag-waving energy and pride in honor of U.S. veterans everywhere, despite the cancellation of an official parade to mark the day.

According to official parade organizer Central Oregon Veterans Outreach, the organized parade was canceled back in October due to COVID-19 safety concerns, liability issues and lack of volunteers.

However, that didn’t discourage hundreds from learning of the impromptu event and showing up.

People gathered near Drake Park Thursday morning before circling the park.

Some rode in cars, others in buses -- all wanting to show their thanks and gratitude to our nation's veterans.

It had fortunate timing weather-wise, as well, beginning after the rain stopped and the sun began to peek through the clouds.

Some veterans shared why the show must go on.

Mark Wirges is a Purple Heart recipient who served in Vietnam and was in the military for four years, from 1967 to 1970.

“History -- for me, it’s history,” Wirges said. “You can’t forget history, and when you forget these parades and stuff, you forget what all these people that built this country stood for. We want to keep our Constitution and keep it alive.”

Another veteran served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a heavy equipment operator for five years, from 1989 to 1994.

“I want to support the things they did, to allow me to have the freedoms that I have,” he said.

Tom Marple is a veteran who has been a part of the Bend Veterans Day parade for years and loves them. He worked as an interpreter for the U.S. Marine Corps and served for many years, with 15 months spent in Vietnam.

“Here we are-  and we’re going to celebrate Veterans Day and honor all veterans from today through the past,” Marple said.