ECHO — As she waited for a Veterans Day parade procession to pass, Melissa Doherty spoke of the importance of the holiday and reflected on her own military service.

Doherty, the Hermiston High School dean of students, was in the U.S. Army from 1997 to 2003, she said. She was scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the Echo school assembly Thursday, Nov. 11. She said she planned to speak to children about the reasons for joining the military, including her own motivations.

Organized by the Echo School District, the Veterans Day Parade & Assembly began in downtown Echo. It started with a parade at 10 a.m. The assembly, which honored former servicemen and women.

A big reason Doherty joined the service was the money she could earn for college. A person could make $75,000 a year for college, she said, which allowed her to obtain a master’s degree. Less tangible benefits are learned during service, she said. According to Doherty, these benefits include senses of duty, honor and service.

She said, in meeting with young people, she helps to impart on them a sense of history — she wants them to learn of the past.

But it is not just about youngsters, Doherty said. She also wants to communicate her values to adults, and she wishes to “say thanks” to her father, her husband, grandfathers and other veterans.

As she watched the procession, other people stood also alongside the parade route. Many of them cheered the participants, which started with a police escort. Following police cars, were groups of young people, including Echo FFA members.

Shannon Tacy, teacher and FFA advisor, marched with her students, whom she called an “excellent group of patriots.” She, herself, said she was not a veteran, but she expressed she was indebted to service people.

“I love this,” she said of the parade and the statement it was making in support of veterans.

John Cox, of Echo, was also in the parade. Cox, who has family members who served in the Vietnam War and World War II, was dressed as Santa Claus and waved a United States flag.

“This is a nice way for us to express our appreciation,” he said, as he walked the parade route. He said he wanted kids to see that even Santa supports our veterans.

Also walking the route, Kandis Siedman, of Echo, said she was there to help with the first grade class. She said she hoped the parade was encouraging young people to be supportive of military members, both past and present.

The day’s events, including the parade, was intended to instruct children, according to Raymon Smith, Echo School District superintendent.

Smith, who has been with the district for 11 years, said approximately 300 students, the entirety of the district’s children, were involved in the parade.

He added the parade was part of a full day of instruction, which included other educational opportunities. Service members from each branch of the military were scheduled to appear at schools to talk to children. Students were encouraged to welcome family members to the event.

Smith said he told students of his father, who served in the Vietnam War and was disrespected upon his return to America.

“It’s important for kids to remember that,” he said. “That’s why we have our kids here today, not just use it as a day off of school but to use it as an opportunity to educate kids about the importance and history of service in this country.”