Church plans veterans parade

The Whitehouse Church of God in Christ is holding a parade on Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m. in honor of all area veterans.

"All soldiers and military personnel from around the East Texas area are welcome," said Addie Pettigrew, one of the parade's organizers. "We also invite anyone who would like to be in the parade."

Organizers came up with the idea of a parade to honor member Waymon Stewart, the Army reservist and former WISD school board member who was recalled to active duty in Iraq and returned home last November. Although Stewart was the inspiration for the parade, the church hopes to draw many East Texas veterans and groups to participate in the event.

The parade is scheduled to start at Higgins Intermediate and take Bascom Road to the city park, where a brief ceremony will be held. The church is inviting other churches and groups to participate. For more information, call coordinator Addie Pettigrew at 903-566-2991, Ada Ervin at 903-839-4554 or Eddie Ray at 903-839- 4054.