Members of the "On Patrol Project" pose in authentic military garb.

Back in 2014, I finally had my first opportunity to participate in a Veterans Day parade. Despite being out of the service since 1995, prior employment and job locations did not allow for the partaking of such events.

Though proud of the day and what it stands for, I also found it somewhat disturbing. I noticed that most of the uniformed individuals participating were either representing veterans organizations — such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion — or ROTC/JROTC groups. There were a lot of Vietnam Veterans present, both in the parade and in the crowd along the route, but with the only indicator being a service ball cap. Also missing was the representation for the many other military eras of this country.

I always felt that Veterans Day was intended to represent all of our veterans, both living and dead, from all eras.

Additionally, I realized at the time, the most prevalent number of veterans in this country are from the modern era and under the age of 40.

It is for these reasons that I started the “On Patrol Project.”

The concept of the project is the physical representation and tribute, through a mobile living history display, of American service personnel from our country’s founding up to the present day. The purpose is for active participation in parades and other veteran-related proceedings. Additionally, we look forward to educational and American history events, such as veterans visiting classrooms.

The project was created to remind the public, both young and old, of the role of the Armed Services throughout the history of our United States.

The project involves the dressing out of individuals in appropriate field uniforms and equipment of the American soldier: sailor, airman, marine and coastguardsmen with the ultimate goal of representation from the American Revolution and every era since.

Shortly after its inception, the project was adopted by the Redmond VFW Post 4108 and become a committee thereof. In the several years since the project existed, we have received numerous appreciative comments regarding the idea as “awesome” and “much needed” and applause from the crowds, and long-held salutes from fellow veterans along parade routes.

As with many things, the COVID-19 situation affected and almost killed the project. We participated in the 2019 Veterans Day parade with 14 people portraying patrollers and one riderless horse. 2020 had no parade to speak of and there was only one volunteer back for the 2021 parade. The last parade (2022) was the start of a revitalization, with three patrollers and a war correspondent photographer. The project has since had other individuals want to join, so it looks like things are on the rebound.

There are two major impediments for an organization like the On Patrol Project to operate: the dependence on volunteers and the need for authentic uniforms and equipment. We feel that when portraying a particular era, if one is not equipped correctly, it is an affront — or even disrespectful — to veterans of that era. Thus, period-correct uniforms and gear are important.

Several of our volunteers are re-enactors in their own right, and provide their own full kit. But many are fitted out, either partially or completely, from our collected materials. To that end, the project is always looking for additional field/working uniforms and paraphernalia in order to represent more time periods.

While we try to compensate as appropriate, the budget is, as one might expect, quite limited. Of course, donations are always appreciated. And all acquisitions are treated with due respect and purpose, and not just as an addition to a personal collection.

With that, all volunteers thank everyone who comes out for Veterans Day parades each year. We hope to see you again.