SPRINGFIELD — People in Springfield celebrated and honored our veterans at their annual Memorial Day Parade today.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00 p.m., the 2025 Memorial Day Parade took place this morning in Downtown Springfield, with residents gathering to honor their local veterans.
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While some might think of Memorial Day as a day off from work or school, it actually means so much more.
“My dad, it’s it’s he always made it seem to be an honor. And so they should look at it as an honor and a sacrifice that’s worthy,” Angela Richardson said.
Richardson is the daughter of Bobby Crabtree, a veteran who fought in the Vietnam War.
This is their 12th year in Springfield’s Memorial Day parade.
“We always build a float. Bring it in,” Crabtree said.
Crabtree was in the Air Force and served in Vietnam from 1964 to 1968, and his daughter is very proud of him.
“I think all of these men and women who serve, they definitely deserve to sit in their little car and to have a little bit of recognition for today,” Richardson said.
Crabtree told News Center 7’s Mason Fletcher that the reception on Memorial Day today is much different than when he came home more than 40 years ago.
“When we come out Vietnam, no one talked to us. I was lucky, I was from Jackson, Ohio, down there,” Crabtree said. “They didn’t treat you that way. But around the rest of the state, they didn’t want to recognize none of us.”
Crabtree said he’s happy to see that veterans since him haven’t had to deal with the same experience, and he’s glad to see his fellow brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice are still honored.
“Same like everybody is back on the right track. Yeah. They love America again, you know. And that makes a big difference,” Crabtree said.
Overall, the parade goers all shared a similar sentiment.
“I always say thank you. Anytime I see a veteran, and I wish more people would,” Alex Richardson, a parade participant, said.
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