Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
Downtown Greensboro became a tapestry of red, white, and blue on Saturday, November 8, as the city hosted its annual Veterans Day Parade, an event that served as both a spirited celebration of freedom and a profound tribute to the man whose determined vision made it possible.
The 2025 parade held special significance as it posthumously honored U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. William McKinley Spencer Jr. as the Grand Marshal. Spencer, a disabled veteran and dedicated community servant who passed away in late 2024, spent years lobbying the Greensboro City Council, passionately pleading for a dedicated parade to honor local service members. His efforts culminated in the council’s decision to vote in favor of establishing the annual event in 2016.
Representing Sgt. Spencer’s enduring legacy was his wife, Dr. Irish Gaymon Spencer, a distinguished radio host of the Wild Irish Rose Show on WNAA 90.1 FM, who served as the official Grand Marshal. Dr. Spencer, alongside their daughter, Raeven, and other relatives, watched proudly as the community realized the dream of their loved one, Sgt. William Spencer, fought so hard to achieve.
The midday parade stepped off promptly at noon, transforming the downtown streets into an atmosphere of patriotic pride. The procession featured dozens of local participants, including area marching bands, high-stepping dancers, and sharp-dressed ROTC groups. Flanked by roaring motorcycles and a procession of veterans driving Corvettes, families of fallen soldiers received standing ovations from spectators determined to show their appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice.
The Veterans Day Parade is not just a civic event, but an integral part of Greensboro’s commitment to its military community. The event underscores a vital tradition: celebrating the freedoms secured by generations of U.S. veterans.
