TOPEKA (KSNT) – Veterans, students and community groups gathered in downtown Topeka Saturday morning for the annual Sunflower Veterans Parade, an event organizers say continues to grow more than a decade after it began.
The parade featured a variety of participants, including school bands, ROTC programs, Cub Scouts and veterans’ organizations. The event gave people across the community an opportunity to recognize those who have served in the military.
Mike Majewski, an Air Force veteran, has been part of the parade committee for 13 years. He said the event holds personal meaning for him because it helped him reconnect with the camaraderie he missed after leaving the military.
“As a veteran transitioning from the military to civilian life, one of the pieces that was missing was the camaraderie,” Majewski said. “I saw that Topeka was having its first veterans parade, so I wanted to pull in my friends and peers to support that event. It allowed me to regain that connection from leaving the military to where I am now.”
Majewski served 23 years on active duty in the Air Force. He said the parade has grown significantly since its beginning, with this year’s event featuring a flyover and a full stage.
Putting the event together takes months of preparation. Majewski said a committee of six begins planning about nine months in advance.
Students from Highland Park High School also participated in the parade. Christina and Shayla Brown said their grandfather served in the Army, and they hope to join the Army themselves someday.
“It’s very sentimental. We get to celebrate veterans and people who are in the Army and military now, so I think it’s very cool,” Christina said.
“It feels really amazing. I feel like it’s a family legacy.” Shayla said.
Majewski said he hopes the parade continues to grow and gives more people an opportunity to recognize veterans and thank them for their service.
He also said the event helps educate the community, bring people together and maintain a sense of camaraderie among veterans.
Organizers plan to continue growing the parade in the years ahead.
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