The City of Hammond Honors Veterans With Parade and Ceremony at Hessville Park

No city in the region honors the nation’s veterans quite like Hammond. On Saturday, Nov. 7, just four days before Veterans Day, veterans young and old paraded a mile down 175th Avenue, from Knickerbocker to Hessville Park.

Parade-goers were greeted by a brisk but beautiful bluebird sky. Community members lined the route, standing tall and proud for those who served. A local marching band performed, and a military-style flyover left trails across the sky and inspiration in the hearts of those below. Flags waved, children cheered, Americans of all backgrounds, cultures and faiths saluted as the veterans marched by.

As the parade neared Hessville Park, the crowd grew for a closing ceremony and moment of remembrance. Hammond veterans gathered beneath a large tent in front of the flagpoles at the corner of Kennedy and 175th Street.

Scott Miller, the city’s chief of staff, led the ceremony on the mayor’s behalf, speaking with the same pride and sense of honor shown by the men and women in the crowd who wore their medals and affiliations. Although the event is near and dear to Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., a veteran himself, he was unable to attend.

“There’s something meaningful about a community coming together for an occasion like this,” Miller said. “We set aside our busy schedules, line our streets and gather with neighbors for one simple purpose: to say thank you to the men and women who have served our country.”

“At a time when America sometimes feels divided … our veterans remind us that there are causes and commitments greater than our individual differences. Honoring our veterans isn’t simply about recognizing what they did in the past. It’s about carrying forward the values that service represents,” said Miller.

The Hammond Central JROTC presented the posting of the colors as the audience stood in respect. The Rev. then offered a prayer of blessing for the families of those lost in service and for those who continue to serve.

Ernie Dillon, a longtime Hammond veterans’ advocate and one of the best-known figures in American Legion Victory Post 168, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Men and women looked up at the flag, right hands placed firmly over their hearts.

Dillon served as an airman in the U.S. Air Force’s 76th Squadron under the Strategic Air Command, flying on a Huey helicopter crew during rescue and reconnaissance training missions in Central America during the Vietnam War era.

A member of the post for 30 years, Dillon has served as its commander four times. He was also a co-grand marshal of a past Hammond Veteran Appreciation Day parade, and on Saturday he wore his marshal’s sash with pride alongside his fellow service members.

Donna Ostrander, commander of American Legion Hammond Victory Post 168, delivered the keynote address.

“I could not be more honored, not just for myself, but for our post,”  Ostrander said. “We’re proud of our past, dedicated to serving today and committed to ensuring that the sacrifices made by America’s veterans are remembered for generations to come.”

Ostrander stood tall at the podium, carrying a pride she said she shares with family who are no longer here. Though retired from active duty, her mission continues as she advocates for veterans, their families and their well-being.

“Our work is not done, and I’m not discouraged,” Ostrander said in closing, issuing a call to action. “We’re gonna keep fighting for our rights. We shouldn’t have to, but we do.”

Ostrander and city officials encouraged residents to visit the new Tribute to Our Troops memorial at Lyman and Douglas, calling it a beautiful site well worth the trip.

The ceremony concluded with a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner”, followed by parting words from Miller. He said he hopes the day’s message reaches beyond the parade and beyond Veterans Day, and that the city’s veterans feel the love, appreciation and blessings their service deserves, remembering that many paid the ultimate price.

“We just think it’s important that our society doesn’t forget our veterans, because many of them can’t be here today,” Miller said. “We certainly are blessed by your lives and your service.”