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Huge turnout expected for Veterans Day parade By PAUL FATTIG Mail Tribune Chances are good it will rain on the annual Veterans Day parade in Medford on Sunday. But that won't dampen the spirit of the participants or those lining the streets, promised Earl MacPherson, a World War II veteran and one of the principal organizers. "We expect a bigger participation of spectators than we've ever had in the past," said MacPherson, who helped restart the annual parade in 1996 after a hiatus of nearly 30 years. "We wanted to get back to patriotic values when we started this again," he added. "It's increased a little bit each year. This year should be even bigger." With patriotism running strong after the terrorist attacks and the launching of military missions in Afghanistan, this year's Veterans Day activities will cause patriots to muster for the parade and a legion of other celebrations, organizers say. "We'd like to see the entire community out there supporting our veterans," said Darryl Ferrell, master of ceremonies for the event and a Vietnam War veteran who retired as a master sergeant after 24 years in the Army. "We need to let the kids know what Veterans Day means, to let people know they ought to be thankful they are in the good old USA," added the director of the Eagle Point National Cemetery operated by the Veterans Affairs Department. If it rains on the parade, bring an umbrella, they suggest. Following a flyover by military jets, the parade begins at 1:30 p.m. sharp at Hawthorne Park, marches south along Hawthorne Street, then west down Main Street to end at Mistletoe Street. "We're pretty liberal on who participates," said MacPherson, who served more than 30 years in the military, beginning with the Marine Corps and ending with the Army National Guard. "We've got veterans groups of all sorts," he said. "We've got the Navy, Marines - all the services. We've got kids and llamas." For those who need a good hearty meal before the parade, there are two options. The American Legion Hall at 73 Winburn Way, Ashland, will serve breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Included will be ham, eggs, pancakes and coffee. The cost is $3.50 for adults, $2 for children under 12. Over at the Crater Lake Post 1833 at 42 N. Front St., Medford, the Veterans of Foreign Wars will begin serving chipped beef on toast - SOS in military parlance - at 8 a.m. Cost is $3. A special ceremony honoring veterans will begin at 10 a.m. in the theater at the Veterans Affairs Domiciliary at White City. The Southern Oregon Bagpipe Band, along with the Eagle Point High School air band, will perform musical tributes honoring veterans. State and federal agencies are also helping to celebrate Veterans Day weekend by waiving fees Saturday through Monday. The Forest Service is dropping its day-use and entry fees for its recreation sites in Oregon and Washington, and the National Park Service is dropping entrance fees to all national parks, including the Oregon Caves National Monument. However, because of the expected increase in people over the weekend, participants are urged to call 541-592-2100, Ext. 260, to ensure there is space available before driving to the monument located about 20 miles east of Cave Junction. Visitors are also welcome at Crater Lake National Park, although it dropped its entrance fees last month because of the coming winter. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is waiving day-use fees at all of the 26 state parks to celebrate the Veterans Day weekend. Later in the day, the Ashland Elks Lodge will host all Ashland and Talent area veterans and their families to a free spaghetti dinner beginning at 5 p.m. For all others, the charge will be $4 for adults and children 11 or older and $3 for children ages 6 to 10. There is no charge for those 5 and younger. Those planning to attend should contact the lodge at 482-3911 today to make reservations. The lodge is at 255 E. Main St., Ashland. Entry is at the rear of the building. Finally, the Swing Kings big band led by Harry Kannasto and the Southern Oregon Concert Band conducted by John Drysdale will present a free concert Tuesday evening in Medford to honor veterans. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Medford Armory, 1701 South Pacific Highway. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.