Parade canceled, other Veterans Day events still scheduled

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The city of Mobile spent Monday paying tribute to our American heroes for Veterans Day.

Veterans looked on as the flag was raised over Battleship Park at 6 a.m. kicking off the Veterans Day celebrations. A few hours later, the stands were set in Downtown Mobile but Mother Nature rained on the parade, literally.

Captain Hal Pierce with the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission said it was disappointing, but they had to make the call.

"We were going to have the biggest parade ever so I'm sorry to have to lose that," said Pierce.

So was Donna Brill.

"Disappointed," said Brill.

Brill packed her grandchildren up in the morning in Daphne hoping to teach them how much veterans have given to the country and honor those who are still serving.

"My daughter's in the Air Force for the next 4 years. She's going to Afghanistan in February," said Brill.

Although there was some disappointment over the parade, it didn’t stop Mobile from honoring our veterans. An honors luncheon at Fort Whiting gave praise to two very special men.

The day will close with a Mobile Pops concert at 7 p.m. at Battleship Park.

More Veterans Day Events across the area

First, Lieutenant General Eric Fiel. His 31 years in the Air Force earned him the honor of 2012 Patriot of the Year.

"I got the call at the office. It was pretty shocking to see and finding more out about the award, were really honored both me and my wife to be here," said Fiel.

Retired Navy Reserve Commander Robert Edington was named Mobile Bay Veteran of the year.

"I was just honored to be named Veteran of the year and it’s been a real honor, a real pleasure," said Edington.

Edington, who since retiring from the military has been very active in the Mobile Community, gave a message this Veterans Day as he accepted his award.

"We need to be very helpful and supportive with our veterans that are returning from the Middle East because these young people have been subjected to very traumatic situations," said Edington.