For Larry Borman, being thanked as a veteran means something. Like many Vietnam War veterans, he remembers a different greeting when he came home from war. The protests of those times, often aimed specifically at returning soldiers, stayed with him.
“That’s what got me involved with veterans’ organizations to being with,” Borman said. “It was pretty traumatic … coming home and not being welcomed.”
Borman has been named grand marshal for the 47th annual Miami Lakes Veterans Day parade.
Borman, 76, who serves as the vice chair of the Miami Lakes Veterans Committee and vice commander for American Legion Post 144, will lead the parade on November 8.
“I’m really humbled by it … I wasn’t expecting it,” Borman said.
Borman said it was a great feeling to be part of the Veterans Day parade and is thankful for everyone who comes out to support it. He’s thankful that the attitudes have changed since he served, and now veterans from all wars are celebrated on Veterans Day.
This call to continued service is what helped create the float for older and disabled veterans.
“Being in the parade in the past, I’d see some of the veterans … sitting on the sidelines in wheelchairs, not participating,” Borman said.
The American Legion Post 144 float, which is sponsored by The Miami Lakes AutoMall and Fred Senra, welcomes disabled and older veterans to sit and be part of the parade.
Born in Camden, New Jersey, Borman has lived in Miami Lakes on Lake Martha for 28 years, where he serves as the president of the Homeowners Association.
Borman enlisted in the U.S. Army at the height of the Vietnam War after losing his student deferment. After graduating from the United States Army Intelligence School, he became a combat intelligence analyst and was deployed to Vietnam.
Borman spent nine months in Phu Bai, Vietnam where he was part of the 204th Military Intelligence Detachment.
During his time in Phu Bai, Borman had a variety of intelligence-related responsibilities including handling, transporting and delivering classified documents and materials.
Borman and his unit were reassigned to Da Nang, where he continued serving another 10 months.
In 1971 Borman returned to the United States and was stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey where he assisted with investigations and processing individuals for security clearances, according to the town.
Borman first came to Miami Lakes in 1972, before officially putting down roots in Lake Martha in 1998.
The 47th Annual Miami Lakes Veterans Day Parade will step off at the corner of Bull Run Road and Northwest 67 Ave at 10 a.m. on November 8 and will conclude at Miami Lakes Town Hall.
Borman will be honored following the parade at Town Hall at noon.