Freedom is the focus at the West Side Memorial Day Parade

By Dustin Grove (grove@wsbt.com)

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"Let us not forget" was the theme of the West Side Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, 2009. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: May 25, 2009 at 11:16 AM EST

Story Updated: May 25, 2009 at 6:03 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Hundreds turned out Monday for an annual Memorial Day tradition in South Bend, and this year's West Side Memorial Day Parade paid special tribute to the men and women who serve our country.

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The parade is a Memorial Day tradition decades old and still going strong.

"I think we need this,” said Keith Morrow, who came to watch the parade. “We need to have this every year."

"This year's probably the largest I've seen in the last 10 or 15 years,” added Bob Durski.

The West Side Memorial Day Parade featured the usual favorites: fire trucks, bands, and tons of candy.

"Oh they love it,” Morrow said. “The kids love it."

But this year, a special theme was woven throughout to remember the day’s true meaning.

"Everybody contributed in showing their support to our troops,” said South Bend resident Marlene Derrickson.

Organizers called it "Let us not forget." The focus: not just colorful floats and candy; but our freedom — all in thanks to the men and women, brothers and sisters, moms and dads, sons and daughters, who fight.

"[It] kind of explains to the kids that there are other reasons why we do this,” Durski said.

It was a patriotic way to pay tribute.

"I'm just glad they're still doing it and I'll be back next year,” added Durski.

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